NEW interactive installations have sprung to life in the grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

The artworks include a colourful 9m tower, a mirrored sphere that reflects and frames the garden’s many viewpoints, and a curious echo-chamber water tower.

A fourth imaginative design by Richmond primary school student, Foster Carter, is a suspended cloud inspired by the great Yorkshire weather.

The artworks are part of the estate’s ‘Folly’ initiative which encourages visitors to the National Trust site to explore the water garden as it was originally intended; as a site of play and intrigue.

The new art works, or modern-day follies, have been installed where original 18th century follies have been lost.

Justin Scully, general manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said: “The new artworks continue the great 18th century tradition of follies in landscape gardens; catching the eye and surprising visitors to the garden.

"This year is the 300th anniversary of Studley Royal and what better way to mark this milestone than by re-imagining the garden’s lost follies through the eyes of some of the UK’s most interesting artists and architects.

"We hope that over the next few months visitors will see their favourite views and corners of the water garden in new, playful and enlightening ways."

The installations have been created by internationally recognised architects and artists Charles Holland, Lucy and Jorge Orta and Fleafolly.