Out of this world play area
Published
Monday 30 September, 2024
Updated
Wednesday 2 October, 2024
A one-of-a-kind "Newton Space Garden," complete with a space-themed play area and planetarium, is set to open in Faversham.
The garden is the brainchild of the Brogdale Collection and will feature a sapling grown from seeds of the very apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton's theory of gravity.
These seeds were then taken to the International Space Station by UK astronaut Sir Tim Peake, where they floated in zero gravity for six months.
After returning to Earth, the seeds were nurtured into saplings at Kew Gardens, with one now taking center stage at Brogdale's new attraction.
The garden will also showcase eight additional apple trees with connections to space and Newton, a living willow planetarium - which has been planted, and a space-themed play area.
A £7,000 grant from Swale Borough Council’s Rural Swale Small Business Grant (RSSBG), funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund, has helped make this project possible.
This funding was crucial for Brogdale, as poor weather conditions had adversely affected some of their crops, putting extra financial strain on the charity.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of property and regeneration committee, said:
“We recognised that small rural businesses needed support, with the cost of living crisis impacting everyone it has made it difficult for these businesses to stay afloat.
“That is why we setup this grant scheme to help these businesses reduce their costs through energy saving and carbon reduction measures whilst also helping the environment.
“We also wanted to help them improve their facilities which will boost the local visitor economy to our amazing rural areas.
“The grant scheme is currently open again, so, if you have a rural business think about what improvements you could make, in line with the grant’s aims, and apply for this funding.”
Alan Roe, chair of Brogdale CIC trustees, said:
“This is a brilliant project that will provide us with a fantastic new asset for engaging with young people and visitors of all ages, making Brogdale an even more exciting and attractive venue to visit.
“At its heart is a tree grown from a seed from the actual apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity and which was taken to the International Space Station by astronaut Sir Tim Peake.
“In line with its space theme, it will incorporate a living-willow planetarium, which – thanks to the incredibly generous support of the Tree Council and National Rail – is already flourishing after being planted at the start of the spring.
“And now, we are delighted to say that a £7,000 grant from Swale Council means we can push ahead with plans to create a space-themed play area in the garden."
