A new interactive water play area is preparing to open at Standalone Farm in Hertfordshire.

Set into stone cobbles, the space features pumps, water channels and dam gates to entertain and educate.

Opening today (Thursday, July 25), the play area is part of a collaboration between Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation - which owns and operates Standalone Farm - and ResilienTogether, with both organisations funding the project.

The new play area opens on Thursday, July 25.The new play area opens on Thursday, July 25. (Image: Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation)

ResilienTogether is a government-funded project bringing together partners including Hertfordshire County Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to improvement the management of the Pix Brook catchment area. 

As well as managing flooding and other issues, the project is involved with creating an environment and resilience education hub and learning resource at Standalone Farm.

Jason Valentine, venues manager at Heritage Foundation, said: “It’s been a fascinating journey working with ResilienTogether so far. We’ve learned a lot about how our farm impacts on the Pix Brook, and vice versa.

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"I’m really pleased that young people now have the chance to learn about the brook whilst having a great time in our new water play area – another great reason to bring the family down to Standalone Farm this summer.”

In future, ResilienTogether is planning to engage with older children by renovating barns at Standalone Farm into an indoor education hub and events space with interactive learning resources relating to climate change, flood risk, water quality, local environment and reliance.

Cllr Tracey Wye, chair of ResilienTogether and executive member for sustainability and climate resilience at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We hope children enjoy the new interactive water play area.

"Our goal is to educate them about flood risk, water quality, and nature, while also enhancing their well-being and inspiring them to take care of the local stream running through Standalone Farm."