We design, build and install award-winning playgrounds for schools
Creating amazing play in schools has always been at the core of TouchWood.
Play is so important. I’m a firm believer in the importance of creating natural playgrounds where children can learn through play in a stimulating and beautiful environment.
Joe Cooper TOUCHWOOD PLAY FOUNDER
Real play is learning without knowing it. It benefits our heath and wellbeing. It helps us grow as individuals and come together as communities.
At TouchWood, we design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature.
Since 2002, we’ve created hundreds of indoor and outdoor 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.
We will support you with everything from inspiring ideas to installation, long-term 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.
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.
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.
The TouchWood team went above and beyond. The new equipment and areas have transformed playtimes and lunchtimes and children are able to play creatively and imaginatively. I love showing people round and wowing them with our play spaces.
From climbing frames and themed structures to mud kitchens and multi-use activity areas, we’ll have a natural, bespoke play solution to meet your schools’ needs.
HANNAH MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL
WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU’LL WANT A PLAYGROUND THAT WILL:
• Help you to achieve your school priorities
• Constantly inspire, challenge and nurture your children
• Set your school apart from the rest
• Work for you whatever the weather
• Be open to new developments as your priorities change
• Be safe and long-lasting
• Be affordable
Our first ever playground is still standing strong after 21 years! READ MORE
Encourage children’s connection with natural materials
WE’VE CREATED EXTRAORDINARY PLAYGROUNDS FOR SCHOOLS, LEISURE ATTRACTIONS AND PUBLIC SPACES ACROSS THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY FOR OVER 21 YEARS.
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 INFANT ACADEMY
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 INFANT ACADEMY
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 den-making opportunities, balance beams, and an interactive Robinia post for exploration. A hand-woven willow pod served as a cosy 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 handson learning for an enriched educational experience.
Nature’s Playground is one of the largest outdoor play areas in the
TouchWood worked with the Eden Project to create an engaging play space, including slides, swings, water play, suspended nets and a miniature clay quarry. The centrepiece is a bespoke nine-metre-high Tree of Life tower where children can crawl and climb to the viewing nest before travelling back down in a corkscrew tube slide.
The 500-square-metre area also provides sensory and accessible play, immersing Eden’s visitors in a woodland world made from natural and sustainable materials.
The whole process has been great. The TouchWood team understood us from the get-go and they ticked all the boxes in regards to materials and sustainability. We couldn’t be happier with what they have delivered us.
Head of Programme Delivery
Churchfields Farm wanted a new play area that had the ‘wow factor’.
In 2023, seeking to increase visitor numbers and create a captivating focal point for visitors, owners Will and Gillian collaborated with TouchWood to create a unique and bespoke adventure playground.
Central to the design was the incorporation of the huge Churchfields tractor, The space also features an array of creative and engaging elements, including swing sets, tunnels, slides, balance beams, sand play areas and a thrilling 40-meter zip wire.
Since its launch, the playground has doubled visitor numbers and significantly increased return visits.
Everyone’s been really pleased, it’s such a great attraction. We really liked how the TouchWood team worked with us to deliver the project, and we would definitely work with them again.
Owner CHURCHFIELDS FARM
At TouchWood, we take pride in our approach to playground projects. From sourcing and processing raw materials to customising designs and ensuring installation meets the highest standards, we handle every aspect with care and professionalism.
Our process begins with understanding our customers’ needs, followed by in-house design that caters to their specifications. We meticulously craft each element of our equipment and site layout, ensuring a unique and bespoke play area for every client.
To guarantee safety and durability, our designs undergo thorough checks by our expert teams. Before construction begins, materials are rigorously inspected to ensure they are of the highest quality.
Throughout the build process, our dedicated supervisors oversee every detail, ensuring materials, equipment, and workmanship exceed expectations. Upon completion, our installations undergo comprehensive quality checks to ensure they meet both our standards and those of our customers.
Upon completion, all of our playgrounds are fully inspected by ROSPA Play Safety, ensuring compliance with all relevant health, safety, and quality standards.
Post-completion, we offer annual maintenance plans to uphold the longevity and safety of the play area.
At TouchWood, we use natural, durable materials to create imaginative and long-lasting play environments. This approach supports children in developing new skills and hobbies while providing a resilient and inspiring space.
To create enduring play environments, we use high-quality, sustainable materials:
Kiln-Dried Larch Boards
Glacial Boulders
Whether you have a live project or the seed of an idea, we’re here to help.
UK-sourced with natural beauty and durability, transitioning from pink to silver over time.
Robinia Roundwood
Highly durable European timber for structural elements, lasting 15-25 years and aging to a golden hue.
Locally-Sourced Oak and Chestnut
Premium hardwoods from within 50 miles of our yard, ensuring sustainability and local sourcing.
Live Willow
Sourced from local UK quarries, offering a range of sizes and types like slate and granite for safety and aesthetics.
Stainless Steel Features
Weather-resistant and low-maintenance fittings for all equipment.
Steel Core Nylon-Bound Ropes
Strong, durable ropes with a natural finish, available in various colours and custom-fit.
Concrete
Used minimally for foundations and structural elements, providing strength and durability.
Safety Surfacing
Crafted by top UK willow artists for engaging, natural play structures and spaces.
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.
Play-grade pea gravel for mobility, and grass matting for blending into the environment while protecting soil and vegetation.
At TouchWood, we’re dedicated to ensuring your playground remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all. We offer a comprehensive Aftercare service designed to support you in maintaining the longevity and safety of your play area.
Our equipment comes with a warranty to provide you with peace of mind regarding its quality and performance.
Full details can be found on the following page.
Maintenance is essential for the sustained functionality of play spaces. While wear and tear are natural signs of a popular and well-used play area, proper management of maintenance is crucial for safety.
We provide guidance on maintaining your play area to ensure its safe operation.
Compliance with safety standards, such as BS EN1176 and recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive, is vital. We strongly recommend an annual inspection by a qualified body like RoSPA to ensure ongoing safety and legal compliance.
Upon completion of installation, we provide you with an inspection and maintenance manual. This manual includes checklists based on our guidelines, enabling you to create your own inspection and maintenance plan.
Many of our clients take advantage of our Annual Maintenance visit, where our experienced team conducts thorough checks to keep your play area in top condition.
By combining this visit with an Annual Play Safety inspection, we ensure your equipment remains compliant with safety standards.
Our dedicated Aftersales team is committed to helping you get the most out of your playground and maintaining its safety for years to come.
We offer a range of different warranties depending on the type of element and timber used. Our main warranties are shown in the table below. ELEMENT
Whether you have a live project or the seed of an idea, we’re here to help.
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.
We hope to work with you on your project. If you have any questions, please give us a call.
Tel: 0117 963 8222
Bower Ashton Woodyard, Kennel Lodge Road, Bristol BS3 2JT
