The key challenge at Walmer castle was to introduce play equipment that was both natural and blended into the surroundings, whilst being engaging and exciting. The main inspiration for the designs was derived from observation of nature; we created many abstract designs structures based on trees, seashells, seed pods and nuts.
The brief and concept design for the woodland play trail challenged the traditional approach to play trails and offered a dynamic, wholesome and genuinely exciting play and learn experience.
The project was intended to be of high quantity, offering a variety of play experiences coupled with innovation and new ideas about what a play trail could be. Our idea was to make the play trail as much of a sculpture tour for adults as well as children.
Walmer Castle is a wonderful contrast between big and small, robust and delicate, the play trail offered a welcoming, fun and memorable experience, whilst helping children to gain an understanding of local ecology, wholesome natural play and sense of place.
The success of the play trail was in its completely bespoke design, not borrowing from widely available natural play equipment, but creating sculptural interpretation of the natural environment. We were excited by the challenge of moving away from recognisable natural play equipment and pioneering new aesthetics; designing equipment that at first glance blurs with its surroundings yet invites children to interact in a timeless way with nature. The equipment we produced is unrecognisable as playground equipment but still encourages children to play.
Our hope is that by the end of the trail children will see their surroundings in a new way, encouraging them to invent, play, explore and engage with any landscape they encounter.
