Tree house galleries will take root in Regent's Park

Situated on the north of the boating lake in the park, the galleries will form an array of tree houses similar to those found in the rainforest and their intention is to act as an artistic catalyst to ignite the collective imagination, encouraging adults and children alike to explore a variety of creative responses to nature.

Three galleries comprising a hub gallery, a box gallery and a round reading gallery will be linked by a timber walkway and will be open to the public from 12 July until 6 September.

Over a two month period the site will be host to a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, workshops, spoken word events and debates, all of which explore the myriad possibilities of working with nature.

The TreeHouse Gallery will be worked on as the project progresses and will be made predominantly from naturally sourced materials and reclaimed city waste with the idea being that the basic tree house structures will be clad as the event progresses using natural materials like wood and wicker.

Three or four cocoons and pods should also be suspended from the trees alongside the galleries which would be accessible from climbing nets of tunnelled rope bridges and a traditional Mongolian tent, a Yurt, behind the tree house galleries will provide a back of house area for artists working on the project.

All timber and building materials are being donated to the project and are guaranteed lightweight, un-pressure treated and free from chemicals that corrupt the soil.

Cllr Steve Summers, chairman of Westminster Council's planning committee, which gave the plans the go-ahead, said: "We are pleased to be able to bring this piece of contemporary and sustainable design to the centre of London.

"We welcome artists, designers and the general public working together in Westminster so that more people learn about the importance of the environment and conservation issues.

"This is a fun way for people to easily learn how they can make a difference to the world around them.

"It should delight children and hopefully get people to take an interest in this important subject in Westminster where we are looking at ways we can help to preserve our heritage for everyone to enjoy for generations to come."

Altair Roelants spokesperson for the TreeHouse Gallery's organisers, said: "This project will give both artists and participants a free and innovative platform in central London to actively engage with art, while in turn drawing a diverse mix of people and ideas to the park."

The project has the support of the Royal Parks, homeless charity St Mungos, school club charity School Friend Etc and disabled art consultancy charity Shape.

For further information on the project and how you can help building the tree house please see www.thetreehousegallery.org

For information about how to get involved email: thetreehousegallery@googlemail.com