Here at Forestry England we’ve been working hard to improve our forest play areas by making them more inclusive. We want the opportunities to connect, learn and develop through play to be available to as many people as possible, regardless of their individual access needs.
Through the Access for All programme, supported by funding from Defra, we will have completed 10 inclusive play projects across the country by the end of March 2025. These projects include building brand new play spaces from scratch as well as upgrading existing family favourites.
What is inclusive play?
By ‘inclusive play’ we mean opportunities to play where there are no unnecessary or avoidable barriers to people with a range of different needs participating. We have created experiences that help every individual activate their senses, stimulate their imagination and challenge their limits.
Image Gallery
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Features of our inclusive play areas
The designs for our new play areas have considered visitors who may have restricted mobility, wheelchair users, and families pushing a pram by introducing new surfacing. This will improve ease of access both into and around the play areas.
The new play areas feature a variety of play opportunities, allowing visitors to play their way. These include:
- quiet spaces using natural materials and dens.
- interactive features at different heights.
- use of colour, light, sound and natural planting to stimulate the senses.
We haven’t forgotten the more traditional play equipment either - all the usual opportunities for climbing and jumping, running, swinging and balancing are featured too!
Creating lasting memories through play
The design and build of each of these new play areas has been based on extensive market research and engagement with existing visitors, as well as with those who’ve previously been unable to visit due to access needs.
Our hope is that they provide new opportunities for visitors to play alongside each other, having fun together regardless of access requirements.
At Sherwood Pines and Hicks Lodge we’re also trialling new communication signage based on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This provides additional support for families that include someone who is non-verbal.
Visit an inclusive play area in the forest
Inclusive play areas, or inclusive play features, have already been installed at Fineshade Wood, Salcey Forest, Hicks Lodge, Sherwood Pines, Dalby Forest, Moors Valley, High Lodge and Beechenhurst - and by the end of March 2025 you’ll be able to find them at Thames Chase and West Walk too.
