In 2020, The Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust asked us to design a play area focused on nature and creativity. The centre, aptly named Beehive, inspired us to tailor products that reflected and complemented the natural surroundings. Our goal was to think outside the box and create a space that children would find exciting and engaging. Furthermore, we aimed to encourage imaginative play while fostering a deeper connection between children and the nature around them.
The Honeycomb Craft Zone
A standout of the new play area was the Honeycomb Craft Zone, thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities. It provideds opportunity for creativity, allowing them to create crayon rubbings using durable HDPE templates with intricate designs. Among the most popular templates were charming woodland creatures, including hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, and mice, offering a hands-on artistic activity that beautifully celebrated the local environment.
Building on this theme, we further encouraged curiosity and exploration by introducing a Scavenger Hunt Table. This engaging feature included detailed engravings of natural items such as pine cones, acorns, and oak leaves. Purposefully tailored to the surrounding environment, it inspired children to connect with nature through play in a way that felt both fun and educational.
Sensory Play
To add a sensory dimension to the play area, we included musical instruments and interactive play panels. The Flower Chimes and Petal Drum produced harmonious tones that blended beautifully with the natural surroundings. A vibrant, nature-themed play panel taught children about the relationship between bees and flowers, fostering awareness of pollinators’ importance in ecosystems. To enhance the natural theme further, we introduced a Mini Beast Planter to encourage gardening and insect exploration, along with a rustic Mud Kitchen to inspire imaginative and tactile play. For comfort and convenience, we added two Essential Benches, providing a welcoming spot for rest and recharge.
The project was successfully completed on time and within budget in September 2021, perfectly timed for the children’s return. The client was delighted with the outcome and shared their positive feedback: “It has been a pleasure working with the Sawscapes Play team. The installers were professional, polite, and kept the site clear—fabulous service!”
This project demonstrated how thoughtful design can foster a love for nature, creativity, and community engagement.
