A NEW children’s play area has opened at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre.

The Sill Playscape, funded by the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, is designed to provide a creative and inspiring landscape-themed learning and play experience for children of all ages and abilities.

The space features interactive experiences that use the natural landscape. Elements include stone boulders, tree trunks and grass mounds to promote creative, imaginative play through climbing, hiding, balancing, chasing and role play.

The Playscape was designed by Kompan, a specialist outdoor play company based in Scotland. Its design revolves around the unique and special qualities of the National Park and features play equipment inspired by local wildlife.

It has unique features to provide various stimulating challenges for children under 12 years of age with different abilities. 

The Playscape is home to an extensive sandpit to encourage children to pretend to be in charge of shaping their own National Park landscape.

Sarah Burn, head of engagement at Northumberland National Park, said: “From the outset of the project our goal has been to create a fun, inspiring, play experience for children and young people of all ages and abilities.

“It was also important for us to create a place where families can meet, socialise and engage with the National Park’s landscape.

“I’d like to thank the charitable team at Tarmac and the talented team at Kompan in helping us to successfully make this project a reality. We hope the Playscape will help to draw new and returning families to The Sill by offering an outdoor learning and play experience like no other.”

Children from Newbrough Primary School attended the opening event, where they joined representatives from Northumberland National Park Authority and Tarmac.

Tarmac, which specialises in sustainable building materials and construction solutions, funded the design and installation of the Playscape through a donation from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. In total, the project took 18 months to complete.

John Riley, Tarmac’s North and Scotland operations director, said: “We are delighted to support The Sill Playscape, and we look forward to the positive impact this unique nature-inspired playground will have on the local community and families visiting the area."

It is the first play area and learning space of its kind along the Hadrian’s Wall corridor. Entry is free and there is a fully accessible Changing Places washroom facility on site.