Project recreates two parks in Minecraft game

Young adults who work at Newlands Bishop Farm designed the parks over a course of six months

Two parks have been brought to life in the video game Minecraft as part of a project to improve accessibility and inclusivity in parks and open spaces.

The borough council commissioned the project which saw young adults with learning disabilities recreate Solihull's 130-acre Malvern and Brueton Parks.

Over six months, the group, who learn work-based skills with Newlands Bishop Farm, designed online replicas which include features such as tennis courts and lake, alongside more than 50 interactive characters.

Anyone with access to Minecraft can enjoy the parks, but will not be able to change or build on the design which is protected, said Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

Councillor Ken Hawkins said the council is inviting schools to access the parks in Minecraft, providing them with a learning tool which pupils can use to explore them virtually.

"We have fantastic parks and open spaces in Solihull and bringing them to the world's best-selling video game is a great way to open them up to even more people, particularly those who cannot access them in person – for instance, if they have issues getting to a physical location," he said.

"It will also help those who have social difficulties within open environments by providing a safe introduction to the parks from the comfort of their own home, giving them the confidence to visit physically."

Newlands Bishop Farm, in Catherine-de-Barnes, is part of the charity Family Care Trust which supports people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions through work-based learning, training and employment.

Jon Watts, media and fundraising officer at the trust, said Minecraft was one its most popular activities.

"Our service users absolutely love Minecraft," he said.

"They have particularly enjoyed this project, which has helped them to be creative and collaborative in a safe online environment, whilst learning elements of coding, planning and mathematics in a more captivating way."