First look at children's Woodland Play area at the new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford

A play area at the heart of the new RHS Garden Bridgewater has been revealed.

Woodland Play has been designed to 'promote adventure, creativity and a desire to explore nature' and includes elements for all ages, from little ones to early teens.

Set in the heart of Middle Wood, it's described as 'an inspiring adventure play space that champions all aspects of wild play in a series of zoned woodland glades' and covers seven acres of the 154-acre site, which is opening next week.

It features zones for active play, from a low ropes course among the sycamores, a hide-and-seek trail around the rhododendrons and beech trees, to spider-web nets, basket swings and clambering frames.

(RHS / Mark Waugh)

There are opportunities for den building, a bog garden for a spot of pond dipping and plenty of features to encourage imaginative play too, including 'magical' hobbit houses, mud kitchens and fairy homes, all made from materials on site by building volunteers.

There's also a Yew Circle, which makes an ideal spot for outdoor performances, storytelling, dressing-up and playing music.

Designed by woodland and estate garden manager Tracy Snell and developed by specialists Massey and Harris and the team, photos of Woodland Play have been released as the venue makes final preparations for the grand opening on Tuesday, May 18.

(RHS / Mark Waugh)

The garden, at the former Worsley New Hall estate, will be the first ever RHS Garden in an urban area.

We reported last month how schools are being urged to book free visits to the site, which features facilities including a bespoke learning studio and Peel Learning Garden.

Schools can take pupils along for guided visits to enjoy educational workshops, or smaller groups of children can enjoy self-guided visits, with resources 'covering many parts of the school curriculum including art, numeracy and the natural world'.

(RHS / Mark Waugh)

The site, off Leigh Road in Worsley, was due to open last year, but it was delayed due to Covid. All Salford residents will be able to visit the stunning garden for free on Tuesdays for a year.

See more photos of the new play area here.