Context

Massey & Harris was commissioned to design and deliver a bespoke playground at Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the UK's largest radio telescope. A series of natural Robinia play structures inspired by the constellations of the galaxy encourage exploration, balance and imaginative play within the arboretum landscape.

Located within the arboretum, close to the First Light Pavilion and among the Lovell Tree Collection, the play area invites visitors to explore this part of the site and discover new routes through the landscape.

The playground features balancing logs, rope nets and climbing and scrambling elements at varying heights and levels of challenge. Crafted from irregular Robinia timber, each structure offers a tactile, natural play experience that encourages movement, confidence and curiosity.

Four main feature items, Triangulum, Cepheus, Cassiopeia and Orion, each provide a distinct play style, allowing children to navigate the space in different ways and return to it with fresh experiences every time.

Bespoke play, designed and built in-house

Every element of the Jodrell Bank playground was designed, fabricated and installed by Massey & Harris' in-house team. Working with Robinia allowed the company to create sculptural forms that celebrate the natural character of the timber while delivering durable, safe and engaging playground equipment.

The post positions of the four main play structures were carefully designed and set out to reflect the precise star positions of their respective constellations, adding a layer of technical accuracy to the playful concept. Built entirely in its workshop, each bespoke structure reflects the company's approach to quality, craftsmanship and site specific design.

The result is a unique playground that responds to its setting, supports exploration across the wider site and reflects Jodrell Bank’s spirit of scientific discovery.