Play Pathfinder Scheme

Theories Landscapes were chosen by the boroughs Camden and Hackney to build 13 play areas in two phases from 2008 - 2010.  Seven of the projects are completed and open to the public. For more information on the Camden projects visit

http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/leisure/outdoor-camden/parks/natural-play-areas-play-pathfinder.en;jsessionid=0843A131C117E748560E3E9A9D57993E.node2?page=1

From http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10427338.stm 00:33 GMT, Monday, 28June2010 01:33 UK

Taking part in gardening can make a child feel happy and boost their development, research suggests.

The study of 1,300 teachers and 10 schools was commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

It found children in schools that encouraged gardening became more resilient, confident and lived healthier lives.

The RHS says school gardening should be used as a key teaching tool, rather than as an...

Parents and carers can be worried about children playing in playgrounds and have disproportionate fears when compared to the facts. Here are a few statistics to try and put their fears into perspective...

1. Deaths on playgrounds are about one every four years
2. Road and car accidents – 131 deaths in 2008

Children should be allowed to play in the dirt because being too clean can impair the skin’s ability to heal itself, new research suggests. Scientists at the University of California at San Diego have discovered that bacteria on the surface of the skin plays an important role in combating inflammation when we get hurt. The bugs dampen down overactive immune responses, which can lead to rashes or cause cuts and bruises to become swollen and painful. The...

Extract from the Evaluation of Year One Camden Play Pathfinder Sites, which uses one of Theories Landscapes previous play area as an example of good practice for a special needs school play area;

"In order to provide increased playability for disabled children then it is important to consider the provision of a variety of equipment and space that will appeal to...

Play London say;

The natural environment offers unrivalled opportunities for free play. When adults think about where they played as children, a majority usually cites a natural environment as their preferred play for play when they were young.

The natural environment also offers many types...