The Forest Edge

The Starting Point

A patchy strip of scrub planted years ago with native trees and shrubs.
The trees were thriving, creating deep shade, but shrubs had failed.
Children had already carved informal tracks through the space.
A rigid raised platform acted as stage/seating.

The headteacher wanted:

• Sensory play

• Improved wellbeing space

• A modest redesign budget

The concept reframed the area as a woodland edge habitat — a space where children move like wildlife, follow trails, and act as caretakers of the edge.

Design Approach

Rather than overwrite the space, I worked with:

• The existing canopy

• The desire paths created by children

• The platform as a gathering clearing

• Recycled materials sourced from the users and stakeholders

Key Interventions

• Retained and strengthened existing child-made pathways

• Introduced shade-tolerant perennials and grasses to form understorey planting

• Added climbing plants to soften the hard boundaries

• Designed varied seating from informal seating integrated into planting to gabions using recycled materials

• Proposed vertical bug habitats (to be built with pupils)

• Enhanced sensory qualities through texture, sound and seasonal change

Outcome

A semi-wild, immersive space that:

• Encourages exploration and quiet retreat

• Supports biodiversity in a shaded environment

• Validates children’s instinctive use of space

• Integrates ecological function with wellbeing design

This project demonstrates working with existing ecology and behaviour rather than imposing form.