Construction of the much-anticipated new Peter Rabbit themed play area near Welwyn Hatfield has started.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Plans for the Peter Rabbit™ Adventure Playground at Willows Activity FarmPlans for the Peter Rabbit™ Adventure Playground at Willows Activity Farm (Image: Archant)

Preparation and clearing of the ground at Willows Activity Farm, in Coursers Road, St Albans, has begun, in time for the arrival of the new play equipment.

Six lorries full of sand and stone will be delivered to the 1,400 square metre site, along with four articulated lorries full of play equipment, and 10 lorry loads of soil removed.

The stars of the animated CBeebies series Peter Rabbit will be officially welcomed to Willows on Saturday, April 2, 2016, when families will be able to get a first glimpse of the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground.

The area will include 10 attractions such as Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery, Mrs Tiggy-winkle Kitchen and Mr Bouncer Great Invention, which includes state-of-the-art sensory gaming play, musical instruments in Jeremy Fisher Musical Pond, as well as traditional climbing frame adventure play equipment.

Willows chief executive Andrew Wolfe said: “We’re incredibly excited to see the new play area coming to life.

“It’s the first of its kind in the world and we’re so proud to be building it at Willows in St Albans.

“We’re keen to make use of our natural landscape, flora and fauna and will incorporate a 100-year-old ash tree into the playground as the Peter Secret Treehouse.”

The playground is particularly special because 2016 marks the 150th anniversary since the birth of Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit children’s books, published by Penguin Random House.

Thomas Merrington, head of product development at Penguin Ventures, said: “It’s going to be brilliant to see the homes and habitats of the Peter Rabbit characters come to life at Willows.

“There’s all kinds of specially created play equipment with a focus on learning through imaginative play – the children and parents are going to absolutely love it.”

The playground is being built in partnership with Silvergate Media, the co-producers and global licensing agent of the CGI animated TV series Peter Rabbit, and Lappset Creative, a leading manufacturer of themed activity attractions.

Johan Granholm, director of Lappset Creative, said: “We have a team of five experts at Willows who will transform the area into the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground.

“We’re using sustainable construction methods to develop a stimulating and creative environment for children – a true tribute to the values of Beatrix Potter who was passionate about the natural world.”

* For more information visit www.willowsactivityfarm.com