This natural play trail uses only timber that has been felled at Box Hill as part of their ongoing management of the woodlands, so is totally sustainable. We originally designed and built 11 bespoke features along a 2km footpath but have added more features since.
The main objective was to encourage more visitors to explore the woodland habitat and for children to re-engage with the wild through play. The project has been a complete success, with a 40% increase in the visitation to Box Hill, most of which come to use the play trail. We have a great relationship with the Friends and National Trust and continue to add new features to the trail and maintain the existing features. I’ve also produced an illustrated trail map.
This natural play trail uses only timber that has been felled at Box Hill as part of their ongoing management of the woodlands, so is totally sustainable. We originally designed and built 11 bespoke features along a 2km footpath but have added more features since.
A natural tree platform, complete with ladder and rope swing and set at low level for toddlers, this play feature is just one part of the Animal Adventure Play Trail we have built for Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Each feature introduces another wild animal and encourages a variety of play actions.
A natural tree swing made from poly hemp rope and an oak seat, this play feature is just one part of the Animal Adventure Play Trail we have built for Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Each feature introduces another wild animal and encourages a variety of play actions.
Inspired by the Dormouse nest boxes we found on site, these larger than life Dormouse nests have an oak frame and woven brash shell. We created quite a few in a range of sizes hidden in the woodland off the main trail. Children and adults love to add their own brash so the nests are continuing to grow.
Chartwell house, the home of Sir Winston Churchill’s family, is managed by The National Trust. We designed a natural play trail for family visitors exploring the woodlands. This lover’s swing is engraved with the words from Winston to his wife Clementine “The most precious thing I have in life is yr love for me.”
We created a number of swings along this trail, the seats of which are carved with the names of each of Winston Churchill’s children who loved to play in the woods. This swing goes wonderfully high and has the most amazing views across the valley.
Two ancient Hornbeam trees are the setting for this 27m long natural play feature we designed and built in Richmond. It incorporates 3 large tree platforms, each corner of which has a carved seat inspired by the Hornbeam seedpod. Built from Robinia poles, the platforms are linked together by accessible ramps, wobbly bridges and rope bridges and can be accessed via a climbing wall, ladder or climbing net.
Two ancient Hornbeam trees are the setting for this 27m long natural play feature we designed and built in Richmond. It incorporates 3 large tree platforms, each corner of which has a carved seat inspired by the Hornbeam seedpod. Built from Robinia poles, the platforms are linked together by accessible ramps, wobbly bridges and rope bridges and can be accessed via a climbing wall, ladder or climbing net.
I carved this dragonfly from a felled ash tree creating a feature for children to climb on at Aston Locks Nature Reserve. The dragonfly is set in the centre of a landscape which we sculpted as a series of ripples and then planted with meadow flowers which created a maze.
