One of the key aims of our Reinventing Borde Hill project is to help more local children and families get outside and enjoy nature in an accessible green space. We know that simply being outside can have a huge positive impact on children’s wellbeing. We also know that playing in and engaging with the natural environment actually helps children to learn, to develop their social skills, and to boost their confidence.
These principles have guided the development of our plans and designs for an outdoor play and learning space, which will launch when South Park is reopened following improvements and conservation works as part of the Reinventing Borde Hill project. Together with our Design Team, led by Root and Erect, we are working to develop an outdoor play and learning experience with discovery and exploration at its heart, inspiring children and young people of all ages through nature.
The design draws inspiration from the history of Borde Hill’s parkland, with a special focus on pre-history. Dinosaurs are a key theme of course – nearby Dinosaur Wood was the site of an early iguanodon discovery – as well as the timescale of trees. New planting in and around the site of the play will explore the history of trees at Borde Hill, including some tree species which date back to the time of the dinosaurs, as well as “living” play tunnels sculpted from willow and hazel. Where possible, the space will use materials from the Borde Hill estate, and will include accessible equipment and pathways to allow all visitors to navigate key attractions.
We’re incredibly excited about the potential as our Reinventing Borde Hill project continues to take shape, and we look forward to sharing more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the journey.
