Our brief for a new Adventure Play Space was to replace outdated existing equipment referencing the history of the site, drawing on the vernacular architecture, agriculture and horticulture on Jersey and celebrating traditional local skills of willow weaving, bee keeping, and cider production.
Play in the natural environment offers a life-enriching experience where children have ‘headspace without constraints’ and can enjoy the fun and freedom of self-led discovery, which in turn leads to informal learning outcomes. These can be about nature itself (plants, insects, habitats) or about the relationship between nature and society (farming, food and history), and learning new skills acquired through interacting with natural materials. The adventure playground should encourage and inspire youngsters to both enjoy interacting with and learning about the natural environment, in order to build a deeper connection with nature and, importantly, build relationships and confidence.
Working for a 2 year period with Jersey Heritage we brought to life their ideas in a play area design that incorporated the history and horticultural important of the site in a playful way. After full planning approval was obtained, work was completed over the winter ready for the Summer Season. Staying on site at the museum in holiday accommodation the team really enjoyed working and exploring on Jersey with its beautiful beaches.
