A UNIQUE playground created by one of the UK?s leading environmental artists has recently been constructed at the Ockment Centre?s Doorstep Green Project in Okehampton.
The living willow ?igloo-style? playground consists of domes and tunnels and was created to provide a safe and pleasant area for young children and parents to enjoy.
The willow igloo was created by leading artist Mike Jones, a member of Enviro Arts based at Ashburton.
Mike trained at the famous St Martin?s College of Art and has built willow structures throughout the British Isles in places as far afield as Scotland and London.
Tim Argles, who leads the Ockment Centre?s Doorstep Green Project, said: ?Through our consultation with local residents, we discovered that a children?s play area was an important aspect to this community garden.
?We chose a living willow structure because it is environmentally friendly, it grows and as well as being fun, is visually attractive.
?The willow used for this project was obtained from the Long Ashton
research station and is particularly fast growing, although any variety could have been used.?
The play area will now continue to grow and be ready for its first visitors in the summer, when local families can come and experience the garden.