Featuring Accoya® non-slip decking boards, the new Rising Path, which goes through Cambridge University Gardens, brings a different perspective to the garden's Victorian-era Systematic Beds, revitalising their relevance for researchers, teachers, and visitors.

The path structure was 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 3m-high viewpoint of the Systematic Beds, which were first laid out in 1845 to demonstrate the science of plant classification.

Below the pathway is an interpretation hub with engaging displays drawn from the Gardens' archives to encourage visitors to explore the Systematic Beds further telling the story of plant diversity. The path was opened in September 2018.

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.

Along the pathway are sections of landing points that highlight some of the plants’ significant evolutionary innovations, which allowed them to leave the water for life on land. At these points, Gripsure Graphics non-slip deck boards were supplied to create custom typographics.

A representative from Chadwick Dryer Clarke said “Gripsure’s approach was positive and collaborative, with a real interest in supporting the design team and project. A number of prototypes were developed that refined the depth, size, and edge clarity of lettering, and the successful result has a crispness and quality that exceeds the design aspirations.”

Cambridge University Botanical Gardens by Chadwick Dryer Clarke with Accsys Group and Gripsure was shortlisted for the 2019 AJ Specification Award.

Photo credit to Richard Chivers & Smith and Wallworks.