A striking new path has opened at Cambridge University garden. The Rising Path brings a new perspective to the gardens Victorian-era Systematic Beds revitalising their relevance for researchers, teachers and visitors. The path structure has been designed by Chadwick Dryer Clarke Studio to inspire and intrigue visitors, leading them along a gently sloping pathway that spirals through the maturing conifer collection of the New Pinetum. The path ends at a three-metre high viewpoint of the Systematic Beds, which were first laid out in 1845 to demonstrate the science of plant classification.
The majority of the structure is built from Accoya® wood including over 1,300 linear metres of non-slip decking supplied by Gripsure. Along the pathway sections of custom non-slip decking display graphic interpretations, highlighting significant evolutionary innovations of plants, telling the story of plant taxonomy.
Below the pathway is an interpretation hub with engaging displays drawn from the Garden’s archives to encourage visitors to explore the Systematic Beds further telling the story of plant diversity.
The rising path opens to the public on the 22nd of September 2018.