We design, build and install award-winning playgrounds for international education and play settings
Each project is unique, making them such a joy to work on.
Play is so important. I’m a firm believer in the importance of creating natural playgrounds where modern children can learn to understand what it means to take risks. But I’m also passionate about creating beautiful environments that complement their surroundings.
Joe Cooper
TOUCHWOOD PLAY FOUNDER
We design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature.
Since 2002, we’ve created hundreds of play experiences for schools, parks and public spaces, visitor attractions, trusts, charities and commissions.
Whether you want a nature trail, play area or show-stopping adventure playground for your school, we have the knowledge, experience and passion to bring your vision to life.
TouchWood is one of the very few companies that source and process the raw materials, then design, manufacture, install and maintain our play equipment. Our difference is the care and value we give to each piece of timber that goes into your play feature.
We will support you with everything from inspiring ideas to installation, longterm care, and maintenance.
Our expert design team helps our educational clients by guiding them through every step of the playground design and build process.
We offer annual maintenance visits to ensure your playground is not only safe, but also that it stays in the best condition to continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
We create exciting playgrounds that help schools to deliver their learning priorities across all ages.
At TouchWood, we are passionate about building environments that provide maximum opportunities for play and learning. Our school playgrounds are designed and built to deliver amazing and unique play experiences.
Help you to achieve your school priorities
Our playground features encourage children to use their imaginations to have their own adventures in a safe, stimulating and natural setting. Using the act of play to stimulate learning is something that we’re all passionate about.
Constantly inspire, challenge and nurture your children
Set your school apart from the rest
Work for you whatever the weather
WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU’LL WANT A PLAYGROUND THAT WILL:
Be open to new developments as your priorities change
Be safe and long-lasting Be affordable
Beyond traditional classroom settings, playgrounds provide a versatile platform for cross-curricular learning.
Subjects including science, mathematics, and the arts find a natural home in outdoor activities. Learning through play not only engages students but also makes learning more dynamic and engaging.
For the Early Years Foundation Stage, playgrounds serve as dynamic environments that support all seven Prime and Specific Areas of Learning: communication and language, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. TouchWood’s high-quality play equipment facilitates an interactive and engaging atmosphere, fostering the development of key skills and knowledge in these foundational areas.
Furthermore, playgrounds offer valuable opportunities for developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning, promoting attributes like curiosity, resilience, and independence. Play activities encourage active learning, creating a foundation for lifelong learning habits.
As students progress to Key Stage 1 and 2, the significance of playgrounds extends to positively influence behaviour, academic attainment, mental health, and physical wellbeing.
Recognised by Ofsted as an essential element of a broad and balanced curriculum, outdoor learning in these stages impacts cognitive function and emotional wellbeing, contributing to improved overall academic performance.
Encourage children’s connection with natural materials
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH A FULLY BESPOKE
PLAY SPACE
FLEXIBLE PLAYGROUND SOLUTIONS, DESIGNED TO GROW WITH YOUR SCHOOL
At TouchWood, our focus is on creating play settings that inspire imagination, promote physical activity, and foster social interaction.
Through our dedication to only using natural materials, shapes, and design and build in our structures, we inspire rather than direct play – enabling children to explore our structures in a way they choose. Providing meaningful opportunities and settings for nature play, therefore, meets children’s basic needs and intents and creates wellbeing within the individual and a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits.
SHADED SPACES
EXTEND LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
INCREASE CONFIDENCE WITH STRUCTURED RISK-TAKING
Our inspiring case studies share how our innovative playgrounds have supported schools to create amazing play spaces for their students, enhancing the curriculum and fostering positive physical and mental wellbeing.
STANLEY GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Early Years
TouchWood transformed Stanley Green Infant Academy’s small, feature-lacking playground into a vibrant natural space.
Their vision was to encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children through diverse play opportunities.
The design catered to primary school children, offering challenges and tailored play features.
The playground was divided into three zones—Natural, Imaginative, and Explorative—meeting EYFS requirements while stimulating children in different ways.
TouchWood completely transformed our outdoor space and created an exciting Early Years outdoor learning space that the children have absolutely loved exploring, navigating and learning in.
Headteacher
STANLEY GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Key Stages 1&2
Ringwood School collaborated with TouchWood to transform an unused green space into a nature-centric play area.
A fallen tree became a unique climbing frame with denmaking opportunities, balance beams, and an interactive Robinia post for exploration. A hand-woven willow pod served as a cozy reading space, and a “build the bridge” feature encouraged teamwork and outdoor learning.
The revitalised space offers diverse play values, fostering active play, imagination, reflection, and hands-on learning for an enriched educational experience.
ZUHA ISLAND
Leisure space - opening in 2025
TouchWood is engaging with Zuha Island in Dubai to create an exciting and unique indoor and outdoor play space.
The play equipment will offer a dynamic blend of challenge and excitement. Featuring a wide range of structures including tree houses, climbing walls, zip lines, and agility courses, the equipment will provide a thrilling and engaging experience for residents.
Whether you have a live project or the seed of an idea, we’re here to help.
We’d love to work with you.
Our team is always happy to talk about your ideas and answer any questions you may have about how we work, or offer advice on how best to successfully deliver your project.
