A NEW wildlife-friendly garden space designed to support local biodiversity and encourage collaboration has been unveiled at Pool Innovation Centre.

The new outdoor area transforms the Pool Innovation Centre’s grounds into a vibrant, eco-conscious hub for tenants and visitors, with meandering paths leading to secluded seating areas surrounded by lush planting.

The garden is home to over 150 carefully selected plant species that bloom year-round, creating a rich habitat for pollinators. Stand-out species such as Verbena Bonariensis and Nepeta Six Hills have been chosen to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Adding to the space’s environmental impact is a feature bug hotel, offering shelter to a variety of insects and supporting natural pollination cycles.

At the heart of the garden’s sustainability credentials is its recycled-bound resin path, made using the equivalent of 275,000 plastic straws. This innovative surface not only reduces waste but also provides a durable, attractive route through the space.

Matt Harrington, head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, said: “Our vision was to design a garden that goes beyond aesthetics - a space where innovation and nature work hand in hand. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and collaboration, and it’s already becoming a go-to spot for our customers to connect and recharge.”

The project was delivered in partnership with local businesses Oltco, who carried out the groundworks and installed the resin-bound pathway and Hayle Plants, who provided the topsoil, supplied the plants, and installed the colourful displays.

The Cornwall Innovation Centres comprise of three locations across Cornwall: the Health & Wellbeing Innovation Centre in Truro (Treliske), the Pool Innovation Centre in Pool, and the Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn.

Last month, Pool Innovation Centre celebrated 15 years of supporting the region’s entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups.

For more information on Cornwall Innovation, visit: www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk