Relax and play among the trees.

Bringing nature to people in unexpected places, the National Trust has created a living green space within the heart of Smithfield. Featuring more than 70 young trees, colourful benches and hammocks, the installation provides somewhere visitors can connect with the natural world, relax and play in between the Games’ high-energy events.

Developed with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the creative installation has been designed by Tate+Co, one of the leading sustainable architects working within natural environments, in collaboration with innovative design firm studio 8FOLD. The space features a mix of seating areas, badminton nets and rackets where visitors can relax and play together among apple, cherry and plum trees.

Through the conservation charity’s Blossom Together programme, the National Trust is working with partners across the country to bring more blossom to urban places and the trees from the Smithfield installation will live on when their roots are planted in gardens and community spaces around Birmingham. Following the city’s circular Number 11 bus route, the blossoming trees will help to create a symbolic ring of blossom to celebrate Birmingham’s botanical history when it was surrounded by orchards and gardens and referred to as ‘a town ringed by blossom’.

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk