davies-white-landscape-architects

Sir David Attenborough at 100

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:03:36 GMT

Happy 100th birthday, Sir David, and thank you

for inspiring generations to connect with nature.

President Elect, Jane Findlay FLI presents Sir David Attenborough with his Honorary Fellowship to the Landscape Institute. Click below to watch Sir David address the audience at the awards:

S ome moments stay with you forever. For me, one of those moments came in 2019 when, as President of the Landscape Institute, I had the honour of presenting Sir David Attenborough with the Landscape Institute Medal for Lifetime Achievement and with Arit Anderson and Jane Findlay welcome him as an Honorary Fellow of the Institute.

Nearly seven years later, as Sir David celebrates his 100th birthday, I still vividly remember the atmosphere in the room that evening. Here was a man whose voice, storytelling and passion for the natural world had influenced generations across the globe. Yet despite all his achievements, he stood before us with warmth, humility and a deep sense of urgency about the future of our planet.

His message to landscape professionals was both simple and profound. He spoke about humanity’s relationship with nature and the responsibility we all share in protecting it. One line in particular has stayed with me ever since:

“The world depends on an understanding of the natural world.”

Those words feel even more important today than they did in 2019. Postponed by COVID, autumn 2020 saw the premier of his film David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, w orth a watch on Netflix if you missed it.

Last week I posted a short film encouraging everybody to pause, spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature on Bank Holiday Monday during the week Sir David Attenborough turns 100.

I was completely overwhelmed by the response. Hundreds of messages, reposts and comments came in from across the UK and beyond, with people sharing photographs, walks, gardens, coastlines, parks and simple moments spent outdoors with family, friends and pets. Messages of support arrived from across the world #Attenboroughat100 and continue today.

It showed just how deeply Sir David’s work has touched generations of people and how strongly many of us still value our connection with the natural world. As Sir David himself once said:

“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it. ”

Throughout my career, through my support of the charities Learning Through Landscapes and Groundwork, and through leadership roles at Davies White Ltd and the Landscape Institute, I have increasingly seen the importance of designing landscapes that reconnect children and families with the outdoors. Whether through playful planting, sensory gardens, community spaces or nature-led play environments, we have always tried to create places that encourage curiosity, wellbeing and a deeper appreciation of the living world around us.

Sir David’s influence can be seen throughout the landscape profession today. From biodiversity recovery and sustainable urban drainage to rewilding, tree planting and nature-rich public spaces, many of the conversations now shaping our towns and cities echo the messages he has been sharing for decades.

At 100 years old, Sir David Attenborough remains one of the most trusted and respected voices in the world. His ability to communicate science with clarity, honesty and humanity continues to inspire millions.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer is not simply admiration, but action. To spend more time outdoors. To help children experience nature firsthand. To protect landscapes, habitats and species. And to create places where both people and nature can thrive together.

Happy 100th birthday, Sir David, and thank you for inspiring generations to look more closely at the world around us.

Professor Nigel Dunnett passes away

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:34:37 GMT

Nigel Dunnett Changed the Way We See Planting Forever

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Nigel Dunnett when I got the phone call on Sunday morning.

I first met Nigel in 1999 when I was a guest speaker at the University of Sheffield. Even then, it was clear he was thinking differently. There was a depth to his work, a quiet confidence, and a way of connecting plants, people and place that stayed with me. As a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, Nigel was one of the most influential voices in planting design and urban horticulture of his generation. But for me, he was more than that. He was a colleague, a collaborator and a friend.

I had the privilege of working closely with Nigel during my time as President of the Landscape Institute. He gave his support generously and helped shape initiatives such as the Excellence in Horticulture Award and the #ChooseLandscape careers campaign.

I was also honoured to nominate him and see him made a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, a recognition that was richly deserved.

We later served together as founding Trustees of the Sustainable Landscape Foundation , alongside Arit Anderson, Marian Boswall, Andrée Davies, Lisa Anderson and Simon Heppner, and most recently collaborated on projects including a new garden at Wimpole House for the National Trust and the redesign of Grosvenor Square in London.

Nigel led by example. Through his work and teaching, he showed us that planting could be both beautiful and resilient, grounded in his principle of low input, high impact. It wasn’t just a phrase, it was a way of thinking that has influenced an entire generation of designers.

He was also a committed member of the College of Fellows, always generous with his time. He led tours, shared knowledge and encouraged others. His passion for plants, people and place came through in everything he did.

For over 30 years at the University of Sheffield, Nigel inspired students, practitioners and collaborators across the UK and internationally. What set him apart was the depth behind the work. His approach was rooted in decades of research, exploring how planting could be more dynamic, more resilient and more closely aligned with natural systems.

He helped shift the profession’s thinking. Away from planting as something decorative, towards something fundamental. Something that shapes how places perform, how they feel and how they endure.

What was Nigel's favourite plant?

"If I had to choose a favourite plant then this would be up there in the running. Euphorbia characias ssp wulfenii - it has something to offer every day of the year. I know there are some negatives - it does seed around and you need gloves to cut it back, but there are few other plants that give such great value, structure and change over the year."

The Mediterranean spurge certainly is a show-stopper, especially during the late winter to early spring when the winter rains provide moisture for growth and flowering. The combination of blue-green foliage and chartreuse flower bracts achieve the appearance of giant puff-balls in the garden. No other plant achieves this unique color and character combination, no wonder it was a Dunnett favourite.

His influence wasn’t just through projects, it was through what he shared. His books, particularly Naturalistic Planting Design and The Dynamic Landscape , have become foundational texts. They didn’t just describe a way of working, they helped shift the profession’s thinking, giving designers the confidence to create planting that is ecological, resilient and alive. That thinking became embedded in practice.

Through his writing, through his teaching and through projects that demonstrated what was possible. From the Barbican to Grey to Green . From the Olympic Park to the Tower of London Superbloom . And now Grosvenor Square. These projects showed that even the hardest urban environments could be transformed into places that are rich, biodiverse and alive.

The Barbican, in particular, stands as a powerful example. A challenging, exposed podium landscape reimagined through planting that responds to microclimate, reduces water use and brings year-round texture and change.

It set a new precedent for how we adapt and retrofit post-war urban environments, not just for visual impact, but for wellbeing.

In 2015 Nigel designed the RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. As an RHS Ambassador, Nigel promoted the work of the RHS in the field of urban greening and representing the RHS Greening Grey Britain campaign at a national and international level. In this short film he talks to Chris Young about his career, passion for plants and why trees are so important in urban environments.

Nigel also had a particular love for the California superbloom and the way it could transform entire landscapes into vast fields of colour. He often spoke about places such as Death Valley and the Mojave Desert, where, after winter rains, the ground would come alive with goldfields, lupines and mariposa lilies. That sense of wonder, scale and seasonal change stayed with him and influenced so much of his work. I fondly recall Nigel telling me how excited he was when Sir David Attenborough invited him for coffee in his garden to talk about the important role planting plays in connecting people, place and nature, and how it would feature in his 2021 BBC series Green Planet.

On a personal level, we shared the same birthday, 23 January, and a lifelong love of Depeche Mode . We would often swap tracks and messages. Small moments, but the kind that stay with you.

Those with a keen eye may have noticed that many of Nigel’s Instagram Stories featured Depeche Mode as the soundtrack, most recently tracks from their album Memento Mori. The title, Latin for “remember you must die” , is something we discussed last year. As Nigel said, it isn’t meant to be morbid, but a reminder to embrace life and recognise how precious it is.

Nigel’s influence extended far beyond individual projects. He changed how planting is understood and valued, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape landscapes for generations to come. This is a significant loss. To the profession, yes, but above all to his wife Marta, sister Jude and his family, and to those of us who knew him personally.

Nigel didn’t just design landscapes, he changed how we think about them. He raised expectations and showed what was possible. The best tribute we can offer is to continue that work, to keep pushing, to keep questioning, and to keep designing landscapes that are richer, more resilient and more alive. That is his legacy, and it’s one we carry forward.

Nigel Dunnett's Landmark Projects

The Barbican Estate, London (201 5 )
Redesign of the podium landscapes, including Beech Gardens and the High Walk, transforming a Brutalist icon into a climate-resilient, biodiverse environment.

Grey to Green, Sheffield (2016–2 020 )
The UK’s longest green street, replacing dual carriageways with biodiverse planting, bioswales and rain gardens to reduce flood risk and improve urban ecology.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London (2012)
Principal planting consultant for the Olympic “Gold Meadows”, delivering large-scale, seasonal planting with lasting ecological value.

Tower of London Superbloom (2022 )
Transformation of the historic moat into an immersive wildflower landscape using millions of seeds.

Grosvenor Square, London (completion 2026 )
A major heritage park regeneration project, significantly increasing planting and biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Landscape-led masterplanning for country parks, green corridors and new communities

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:11:20 GMT

Why developers work with Davies White

Davies White are widely recognised for designing award-winning nature play landscapes and inclusive outdoor spaces, including co-designing four RHS Back to Nature Gardens with HRH The Princess of Wales and launching the Get Set Global Challenge with Sir David Attenborough. While this work remains an important part of our portfolio, we are also landscape architects specialising in stakeholder engagement and landscape-led masterplanning.

We work with developers, land owners and multidisciplinary teams to help shape the structure of new communities through green infrastructure strategies, country park design and connected networks of public open space.

Planners and developers are increasingly recognising that landscape is not simply an aesthetic layer applied after buildings are arranged. Landscape provides a framework that helps organise movement, manage water, support biodiversity and create distinctive places where people want to live. When considered early in the design process, landscape can guide development layout in ways that respond positively to site context, planning policy and long-term stewardship objectives.

Our work focuses on establishing coherent green infrastructure frameworks that integrate country parks, green corridors, public open space and sustainable drainage systems into the structure of development. This approach helps create connected neighbourhoods that support wellbeing, nature recovery and long-term value.

Examples of this approach can be seen in our latest projects which include Prestley Country Park at Alconbury Weald, working with Urban&Civic and Nene Park Trust, and Quarry Farm Country Park near Stamford, working with Allison Homes.

Our wider strategic landscape experience also includes projects for the Forestry Commission at Jeskyns Community Forest and Forestry and Land Scotland at Cuningar Loop Country Parkin Glasgow and Coed Moel Famau in North Wales.

Explore related projects:
https://www.davieswhite.co.uk/country-parks

A strategic approach to landscape and development

Landscape-led masterplanning begins with understanding the site as a whole. This includes analysing landform, existing vegetation, hydrology, access patterns and surrounding landscape character. Identifying opportunities and constraints early allows development to be organised in a way that works with the landscape rather than against it.

Green infrastructure frameworks help establish clear spatial structure. Green corridors can define movement routes and ecological connections, while country parks provide accessible recreational landscapes that contribute to the identity of a place. Sustainable drainage landscapes can be integrated naturally within public open space, supporting climate resilience and water management.

We have seen firsthand how this strategic approach helps create a development that feels coherent, legible and connected to its landscape setting.

Stakeholder engagement as part of the masterplanning process

Successful development requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including planning authorities, technical consultants, local communities and long-term management organisations.

Davies White run structured stakeholder engagement processes that help shape landscape strategies and ensure proposals respond to the needs of both people and place. Workshops and collaborative discussions allow key issues to be explored early, helping reduce risk and support robust planning outcomes.

Engagement helps ensure landscape proposals are realistic, deliverable and aligned with long-term stewardship objectives. It also supports coordination across multidisciplinary teams and builds confidence among decision-makers.

Biodiversity Net Gain and environmental value

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a fundamental requirement for most new housing developments in England. Landscape-led masterplanning plays a key role in delivering measurable ecological improvements while also creating attractive and usable green spaces for communities.

Davies White work collaboratively with specialist ecologists including Penny Anderson Associates to ensure landscape strategies align with biodiversity net gain requirements and ecological best practice. By considering habitat networks, tree cover, meadow landscapes and water systems early in the design process, landscape frameworks can contribute positively to biodiversity targets while also supporting placemaking and long-term stewardship.

Green corridors and country parks often provide the spatial framework within which biodiversity enhancements can be delivered efficiently and coherently. Integrating biodiversity thinking early helps avoid late design changes and ensures ecological value is embedded within the structure of development rather than added retrospectively.

This collaborative approach helps provide confidence to planning authorities and ensures biodiversity objectives are aligned with deliverable design solutions.

Climate resilient landscape frameworks for new housing

Davies White are actively contributing to emerging approaches to climate resilient landscape design for housing development. In partnership with Anglian Water, we led a workshop at the renowned Beth Chatto Gardens exploring how green infrastructure within new housing developments can respond to climate change, biodiversity loss and water stress.

The workshop was convened with support from Future Homes Hub and brought together representatives from a wide range of national and regional housing developers, planning bodies and sustainability organisations (see the list at the bottom of this article, maybe your organisation was involved), demonstrating strong sector interest in resilient landscape frameworks.

Participants explored how landscape-led approaches can support Biodiversity Net Gain, water-sensitive design and long-term stewardship objectives. The programme included a visit to Chattowood, an exemplar housing development influenced by Beth Chatto’s planting philosophy, demonstrating how resilient planting strategies can be successfully integrated within residential landscapes.

Resilient Garden & Landscape Award

An interactive session introduced the concept of the an award similar to Blue Flags for beaches, this proposed accreditation framework aimed at raising standards in residential green infrastructure.

Just as EPC energy ratings have helped improve building performance, a comparable framework for gardens and green spaces could support more climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable residential environments whilst increasing property value.

We are now seeking partners interested in exploring pilot projects and helping shape the framework?

A clear and structured process from concept to delivery

Davies White support development teams through a clear and collaborative process aligned with recognised industry work stages.

Our involvement typically includes:

Early feasibility and visio n
Establishing landscape principles that help guide development layout.
Landscape strategy and masterplannin g
Preparing green infrastructure frameworks integrating country parks, green corridors and public open space.
Planning support and Biodiversity Net Gain coordination
Supporting outline planning applications through coordinated landscape and ecological strategies.
Developed design
Working collaboratively with architects, engineers and ecologists.
Delivery and implementation
Detailed design of public landscapes, play environments and country park infrastructure.

This structured approach ensures landscape thinking remains embedded throughout project evolution.

Country parks and green corridors as long-term assets

Strategic green spaces are increasingly recognised as essential infrastructure within housing developments. Country parks, green corridors and connected public open space provide environmental, social and economic benefits that extend well beyond planning requirements.

Accessible green space supports health and wellbeing, encourages walking and cycling and contributes to a strong sense of place.

Davies White have developed landscape strategies and masterplans for flagship projects such as Prestley Country Park in Cambridgeshire, Quarry Farm Country Park in Rutland and Cuningar Loop in Glasgow, where landscape structure helps define the identity of new communities.

Integrating play within wider landscape frameworks

Cross generational and inclusive play landscapes remain an important part of successful communities, particularly where they form part of connected networks of public open space. Nature play environments support physical activity, social interaction and connection with the natural environment. When integrated within wider green infrastructure frameworks, play becomes part of a cohesive landscape structure that supports everyday contact with nature across different age groups. This is an area of landscape architecture that we continue to pioneer, inspire and lead by example.

How Davies White can support your development

Davies White work with developers, land promoters and multidisciplinary consultant teams to help structure new communities through landscape-led masterplanning and strategic green infrastructure planning.

We support projects and clients where landscape plays a key role in shaping development identity, planning strategy and long-term stewardship.

Our services include:

o landscape-led masterplanning and green infrastructure strategy

o country park planning and public open space frameworks

o Biodiversity Net Gain coordination with ecologists including Penny Anderson Associates

o stakeholder engagement and collaborative design workshops

o climate resilient landscape strategies

o sustainable drainage integration

o concept design through to detailed design

o integration of play within wider green infrastructure

o coordination with multidisciplinary consultant teams

Early involvement allows landscape to positively influence site layout, helping create distinctive places that support planning consent, environmental performance and long-term value.

Start a conversation

If you are developing a new housing scheme where landscape is, or could play, an important role in shaping the character and structure of the place, we would welcome a conversation.

Davies White provide award-winning landscape architecture and engagement services from early-stage masterplanning through to detailed design, including green infrastructure, public open space, play areas, gardens and wider landscape settings such as country parks.

We are also exploring the proposed Resilient Garden & Landscape Award , an emerging accreditation framework intended to support higher standards for residential green infrastructure. If you would like to be kept informed as this develops, we would be pleased to include you in future updates.

If you have a current or upcoming project, we would be very happy to arrange an introductory conversation. Simply complete the form below and we will arrange a convenient time.

Organisations that attended the Climate Resilient Landscape Worksop Day:

Barratt Redrow • Taylor Wimpey • Vistry Group • Bellway Homes • Crest Nicholson • Hill Group • Urban&Civic • Persimmon Homes • Bloor Homes • Cala Homes • Dandara • Miller Homes • Orbit Homes • Lovell • Keepmoat • Hayfield Homes • Durkan Homes • Strata • Bargate Homes • Croudace • Lioncourt • McCarthy Stone • Churchill Living • Deanfield Homes • Thakeham Homes • Seven Developments • Neilcott Construction • Carr & Carr Builders • Duchy of Cornwall • Carbon Neutral Homes • Untypical / Tilia Homes / Hopkins Homes • Clarion Housing Group • Good Homes Alliance • Greenbelt

Harrison Ford recognised for environmental leadership in 2026

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:39:51 GMT

Harrison Ford’s next big role? ‘Saving life on Earth, basically’.

A conservationist for decades, the Hollywood icon is using his legendary status to make world leaders actually pay attention.

Harrison Ford has long been one of my heroes, not just for bringing to life Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones film series, but for his long-standing commitment to protecting the natural world.

Recently recognised in National Geographic’s 2026 National Geographic 33, Ford is acknowledged for more than three decades of environmental leadership through his work with Conservation International, where he serves as Vice Chair.

National Geographic describes the initiative as rooted in a long-standing belief that individuals driven by a shared commitment to improving the world can have a profound impact. This conviction dates back to 1888, when the organisation’s 33 founders came together to expand understanding of the planet and humanity’s relationship with it. In that spirit, the National Geographic 33 recognises a diverse group of individuals working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change and biodiversity loss to social resilience and scientific innovation.

For 35 years, Ford has acted as a leading public advocate for Conservation International’s mission, which he describes simply as “saving life on Earth, basically.” Now in his eighties, he continues to work tirelessly, using his profile to help bring environmental priorities to the attention of global decision-makers.

Through Conservation International he has engaged directly with world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, helping to build support for urgent action on issues such as wildfire protection in Brazil and international conservation agreements including the UN High Seas Treaty. His credibility stems not from a single campaign, but from decades of sustained involvement, demonstrating that this is a long-term commitment rather than a symbolic gesture.

It may surprise you to learn that Ford even has several species named after him, including a rare slender snake discovered in the Andes in 2022, Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, along with an ant and a spider that also bear his name. While there is humour in this, the recognition reflects genuine respect from the scientific community for his long-standing commitment to biodiversity. Ford himself typically plays this down, but his dedication has been anything but symbolic. For over 35 years he has helped bring global attention to the urgent need to protect forests, oceans and the ecological systems that sustain life on Earth.

Rather than stepping back from public life, Ford continues to use his influence to support meaningful environmental action. Through Conservation International he has helped ensure environmental issues remain firmly on the agenda at the highest level, recognising that meaningful progress requires both public engagement and political commitment.

Ford’s core message is both simple and profound: the natural systems that sustain human life cannot be replaced. Clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, pollinators and stable climates underpin our health, our economies and our collective future. Protecting nature is therefore not a niche concern, but a shared responsibility across generations and professions.

At Davies White Ltd we see first-hand how everyday contact with nature supports learning, wellbeing and long-term environmental stewardship. Harrison Ford’s message is refreshingly direct: we cannot provide for ourselves the things nature gives us for free. High-profile advocates help amplify this message globally, but its real impact is felt locally, through landscapes that enable children, families and communities to build meaningful connections with the living world around them.

You can read the full interview with Harrison Ford in this month’s edition of National Geographic.

Davies White and Community Playthings Partner to Advance Early Years Outdoor Learning

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:07:39 GMT

Helping schools and nurseries create inclusive, biodiverse and sustainable play spaces that support every child’s development.

A shared vision for outdoor learning

Play is where learning begins. In early years settings, outdoor environments aren’t just playgrounds, they’re living classrooms that nurture curiosity, confidence, and well-being. That’s why Davies White Landscape Architects and Community Playthings have formed a partnership to combine their shared passion for child-centred design. Together they bring decades of experience, best practice, and research to help schools and nurseries transform outdoor spaces into places where every child can thrive, through play, discovery, and connection with nature.

Community Playthings are renowned for crafting beautiful, durable, and sustainable wooden furniture and play equipment, designed to support child development and learning through purposeful play. Together, we aim to make outdoor learning more inclusive, sustainable, and joyful, supporting early years educators to create environments that truly enrich every child’s growth and sense of belonging.

Understanding how children play

At the heart of every Davies White design is the belief that outdoor spaces should reflect how children naturally play and learn. Drawing on research from play experts such as Bob Hughes, and the practical experience of both our teams, we focus on six core play types:

Exploratory play - spaces that spark curiosity, investigation and discovery.

Physical play - safe but challenging routes for climbing, balancing and movement.

Social play - inclusive zones that encourage cooperation and communication.

Loose-parts play - areas for tinkering, mixing, building and problem-solving.

Imaginative play - sensory planting and adaptable structures that inspire storytelling.

Quiet play - restorative pockets for calm, reflection and emotional regulation.

Designing for all six play types ensures every child whatever their ability, confidence or interest can find a space that feels right for them.

From ideas to impact. The 7 stage design process.

As part of our partnership with Community Playthings, we’re helping schools and nurseries understand not only why outdoor learning matters, but how to make it happen. Every project we design from small nursery gardens to whole-school landscapes follows a clear, supportive process that keeps things simple, transparent and achievable.

Stage 0 – Why are we doing this?
We help you define your goals and vision. Is it shade, sensory planting, or inclusive play you need? We clarify and confirm priorities.

Stage 1 – Getting ready
We visit your site, meet your staff, and listen to what matters most to children and families. We create a clear brief everyone can support.

Stage 2 – First ideas
We turn the brief into sketches and concepts showing how play, learning and nature can connect. You’ll see options and early costs.

Stage 3 – Agreeing the layout
We refine the design and final layout, ensuring accessibility, safety and value for money, ready for approvals.

Stage 4 – The nuts and bolts
We prepare detailed drawings and specifications so the contractor knows exactly what to build, from planting, surfacing to play structures.
Stage 5 – Build it
Your outdoor space comes to life. We oversee progress to ensure quality and keep communication open with your team .
Stage 6 – Handover and first term
We complete safety checks, show staff how to use and care for the space, and open it for children to enjoy.
Stage 7 – Using it and improving it
After a term (and again after a year) we review how the space works, making small tweaks to keep it fresh, resilient and inspiring.

Want to know more?
We’ve created a practical step-by-step guide for schools and nurseries planning their next outdoor project. Request your copy of 'Stages of Planning, Designing & Building' an Outdoor Space and book a complimentary 30-minute online consultation to get started .

Looking ahead

We’re developing a new publication designed to support, inform, and inspire anyone seeking to transform their outdoor learning environments.

By combining Davies White’s award-winning expertise in landscape design with Community Playthings’ deep understanding of early years environments, this collaboration provides schools and nurseries with a clear, practical roadmap for re-imagining their outdoor spaces.

Together, we believe every child deserves an environment that celebrates nature, nurtures well-being, and inspires lifelong learning through play.

The Davies White Story - 2005 to 2025

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:08:04 GMT

Andrée Davies and Adam White are both chartered landscape architects and first met at the environmental charity Groundwork before founding Davies White Ltd in 2005.

Their breakthrough came with the Playscape show garden, showcased at RHS Hampton Court in 2007 where it won RHS Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Awards. Adopted by Play England, the concept went on to feature in the government-backed Design for Play and Managing Risk in Play Provision publications, inspiring permanent Playscapes in Kingston upon Thames and Ealing and then leading to £225m government investment in nature play spaces across England.

In 2017, Davies White created the Zoflora & Caudwell Children’s Wild Garden at RHS Hampton Court. Co-designed with Dr Juli Crocombe, a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions, the garden won RHS Gold, Best in Show, and BBC People’s Choice; an unprecedented triple win. After the shows, it was re-imagined as a permanent garden at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre at Keele University.

In 2019, they were invited by the RHS to collaborate with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (now The Princess of Wales) on the celebrated RHS Back to Nature Gardens . These nature-inspired play gardens were showcased at RHS Chelsea and RHS Hampton Court, before permanent versions were created at RHS Wisley and for the NHS in Devon. The designs highlighted the importance of outdoor play for childhood development and family wellbeing.

Their work has ranges from Loch Lomond in Scotland to Southampton on the South Coast, and across Northern Ireland and North Wales, creating community gardens, nature play spaces, and biodiverse landscapes. They are specialists in engagement, running hands-on workshops with children, including those from SEN schools, and collaborating with experts to embed inclusivity into design.

In 2021, they were commissioned by the Mayor of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the National Trust to create the London Blossom Garden within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; a living memorial to the pandemic featuring 33 blossom trees representing each London borough and the City of London.

Davies White continue to deliver community-focused landscapes across the UK, including school grounds, libraries, and heritage sites. Current projects include a new accessible and inclusive garden at Faversham Library in Kent, designed to encourage people to “take a book and read it in the garden'. Beginning this month, the team will also be working on two new country park masterplans in Cambridgeshire.

Beyond their design practice, Andrée is one of the judges of the RHS Chelsea Sustainable Excellence Awards alongside Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden, while both Andrée and Adam are trustees of the Sustainable Landscape Foundation , with Arit and Lisa Anderson, Nigel Dunnett, Marian Boswall and Simon Heppner to promote sustainable choices across the landscape profession. Adam served as President of the Landscape Institute between 2018 and 2020, during which he launched the ‘Choose Landscape’ careers campaign and awarded Sir David Attenborough an Honorary Fellowship and Lifetime Achievement Medal.

In 2025, Andrée and Adam are celebrating 20 years of co-designing inclusive, sustainable, and playful landscapes; while also planning the next chapter for Davies White and their mission to reconnect people, especially children, with nature

Surface Selection in Play Landscapes: The Role of Natural and Artificial Grass

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:42:07 GMT

The debate between natural and artificial grass in play environments is often oversimplified. This article from Davies White Ltd Landscape Architects is based on their 25 year’s experience designing children’s gardens and playgrounds. It aims to reframe the discussion, exploring how surface materials should be selected and combined within play landscapes to balance safety, durability, environmental responsibility and the quality of children’s experience.

A Balanced, Design-Led Perspective

Artificial grass has become one of the most visible and, at times, polarising materials in contemporary play landscape design. Its rapid adoption, particularly within schools and public play spaces, reflects genuine operational pressures around durability, maintenance and year-round usability, while its growth has been accelerated by strong commercial promotion.

At the same time, opposition within the landscape profession has intensified, with organisations such as the Society of Garden Designers, the Royal Horticultural Society and the Landscape Institute raising concerns around environmental impact, biodiversity loss and the long-term consequences of replacing living systems with synthetic materials. Between these competing positions sits a more important and often overlooked question: not whether artificial grass is inherently good or bad, but how surface materials should be selected, combined and applied within play landscapes to achieve safe, durable and ecologically responsible outcomes. From the perspective of a Chartered Landscape Architect, this requires moving beyond product-led decisions toward a design-led approach, where each surface is chosen in response to function, context and long-term performance.

To be clear, we do not support artificial grass as a replacement for natural grass in gardens or parks. This discussion relates only to its limited role as a potential safety surface within playground environments and whether there are any better alternatives.

Designing for durability without defaulting to synthetic surfaces

Designing children’s play in the public realm is rarely straightforward, particularly as some clients actively request artificial grass. Well-known examples include the play spaces at Kew Gardens (designed and built by Ground Control) and the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace (designed by Robert Myers and built by Frost Landscapes). In many projects, even before a design team is appointed, briefs already identify preferred impact surfacing systems. These are rarely, if ever, loose-fill materials such as sand or wood chip, despite their environmental advantages, sensory qualities and play value.

Our practice policy is always to explore whether the design of the play landscape itself can reduce reliance on synthetic surfaces through careful spatial planning, soil design, drainage strategy and distribution of use. Wherever possible we seek to avoid synthetic materials in favour of more sustainable alternatives such as reinforced grass systems, resin-bound natural aggregates or emerging bound organic surfaces such as cork.

However, for many clients and maintenance teams responsible for long-term aftercare, the selection of safer surfacing is often more complex than sustainability alone. Consistency of impact performance, compliance with standards such as BS EN 1177, durability under heavy use and minimal maintenance requirements are frequently prioritised. These considerations often influence decisions at briefing stage, shaping the palette of acceptable materials before the design process begins.

Alongside performance considerations, whole-life impacts must also be recognised. These include recyclability, end-of-life destination, embodied carbon, potential microplastic release and emerging concerns relating to PFAS content in certain synthetic surfacing systems. These issues require continued scrutiny as product technologies, environmental standards and regulatory frameworks evolve.

Built case studies demonstrate that more nature-led approaches can succeed when design, maintenance and client expectations are aligned. However, influencing material choices can still be challenging, particularly where designers are appointed to deliver pre-determined solutions rather than to help clients explore alternative strategies. The role of the landscape architect is therefore not simply to specify materials, but to guide decision-making in a way that balances safety, sustainability, durability and the quality of children’s experience.

Natural grass as the foundational surface

Natural grass remains the primary and most valuable surface within play landscapes. As a living system, it delivers environmental, ecological and experiential benefits that cannot be replicated by synthetic alternatives. It supports biodiversity at both soil and surface level, contributes to urban cooling, assists with water infiltration and provides a dynamic, sensory-rich environment for children. These qualities are particularly significant in early years settings, where engagement with natural materials plays a direct role in physical, cognitive and emotional development.

However, the performance of natural grass is conditional. Its success depends on appropriate soil construction, drainage, light availability, maintenance regimes and, critically, the intensity and type of use. Where these factors are not aligned, degradation is inevitable. The challenge, therefore, is not whether to use grass, but how to design and manage it so that it can succeed within the specific demands of the site.

Artificial Grass as a Targeted Surface System

When considered within a broader palette of landscape materials, artificial grass should be understood not as a replacement for natural grass, but as one of several engineered surface systems.

Its role is comparable to that of wetpour, bonded rubber mulch or other impact-absorbing surfaces, each of which is selected based on performance requirements rather than aesthetic preference.

Artificial grass is most appropriately used where:

Wear levels exceed the recovery capacity of natural grass
Consistent, year-round usability is required
Defined safety performance is needed beneath equipment
Site conditions prevent reliable grass establishment

Schools and Nursery Play Environments

Within schools and early years settings, surface selection must balance safety, durability and usability with developmental and environmental considerations. Natural grass performs well where use can be managed and conditions allow for recovery. In practice, however, many school environments operate under constraints that make this difficult to achieve.

Artificial grass can provide a practical solution in specific areas, such as high-wear circulation routes, intensively used play zones or beneath fixed equipment requiring consistent impact attenuation. In these situations, it supports continuous use and reduces disruption caused by mud and surface degradation.

However, the replacement of entire play areas with artificial grass removes valuable opportunities for children to interact with living environments. Where natural grass cannot be sustained, alternative design responses should be considered, including shade-tolerant planting, reinforced grass systems or a shift toward more diverse, nature-based play landscapes.

Public Playgrounds and Community Landscapes

Public play environments introduce additional pressures, including continuous use, limited maintenance resources and the need for long-term durability. In these contexts, artificial grass can play a role in stabilising high-use areas, supporting shaped landforms and providing consistent surface performance. Despite this, the importance of retaining natural grass within public landscapes remains significant. Open grassed areas support informal play, social interaction and biodiversity, contributing to the wider value of public space. Over-reliance on synthetic surfaces risks creating environments that are visually uniform but ecologically and experientially limited.

Safety and Performance

Both natural and artificial grass can meet safety requirements when properly specified and maintained. In the UK and across Europe, impact attenuation within playgrounds is typically assessed in accordance with BS EN 1177, which defines the performance of surfacing in relation to critical fall height and the reduction of head injury risk.

Natural grass is recognised as a suitable impact-absorbing surface under certain conditions. However, its performance is inherently variable and can decline significantly with compaction, wear or waterlogging, reducing its ability to meet consistent safety thresholds over time.

Artificial grass systems, when combined with appropriate sub-base construction and shock-absorbing layers, can be designed to achieve defined impact attenuation values in line with these standards. In this context, the grass itself is not the safety surface, but part of a wider engineered system.

The key consideration is therefore not simply the material, but how the entire surface build-up performs under real conditions of use, wear and maintenance.

Environmental and Long-Term Considerations

The environmental implications of artificial grass are increasingly recognised within the landscape profession. Concerns include:

loss of biodiversity
microplastic release
heat retention
embodied carbon
end-of-life disposal challenges
static and heat retention

Emerging discussion has also focused on the presence of PFAS compounds in certain synthetic turf systems, although material composition varies between manufacturers and continues to evolve. These issues have prompted a broader shift toward nature-based and climate-responsive design approaches.

This does not necessitate the complete exclusion of artificial grass, but it does require a more critical and selective approach to its use. Materials should be assessed not only on immediate performance but on their contribution to long-term environmental quality.

Pros and Cons - Natural Grass

Advantages

Supports biodiversity and soil ecosystems
Provides natural sensory experience
Regulates temperature and improves microclimate
Absorbs rainfall and reduces runoff
Capable of self-repair under appropriate conditions
More affordable

Limitations

Requires ongoing maintenance
Sensitive to overuse and poor conditions
Performance varies seasonally
Vulnerable to compaction and drainage issues

Pros and Cons- Artificial Grass

Advantages

High durability in intensive use areas
Consistent year-round usability
Predictable performance characteristics
Compatible with safety systems
Reduced routine maintenance

Limitations

ZERO ecological or biodiversity value
100% manufactured from synthetic materials
Can retain heat in direct sunlight
Can retain static and give a small shock
Finite lifespan with huge disposal implications
Requires careful specification and installation

Beyond Grass: Other Play Surface Systems

While this article focuses on the role of natural and artificial grass, it is important to recognise that most play landscapes are formed from a broader palette of surface materials. These include engineered systems such as wetpour rubber and bonded rubber mulch, reinforced grass systems, as well as cork based bound surfaces, loose and natural materials including play-grade sand, bark and wood chip, alongside modular safety matting.

Each of these surfaces offers different characteristics. Wetpour and the the more sustainable bound natural cork surface provides consistent and certified impact attenuation in high-risk areas, while bonded rubber systems such as Tiger Mulch offer a more visually sympathetic alternative with similar performance attributes. Reinforced grass systems, such as cellular confinement or matting systems that allow natural grass to grow through a stabilised grid, provide a hybrid solution, retaining the ecological and visual benefits of grass while improving durability and, when correctly specified, supporting impact attenuation requirements in certain applications.

Alternative playground surface materials

Loose materials such as sand and bark support more informal, exploratory play and integrate more naturally within planting-led environments, although they require ongoing maintenance and management. Modular systems can be effective in smaller or temporary installations but are less suited to high-use settings.

As with all surface types, suitability in relation to fall height and risk must be considered against standards such as BS EN 1177, ensuring that performance is maintained over time and not just at installation. Loose fill requires a 300mm depth to be maintained at all times, we therefore specify 400mm to allow for movement. This wider discussion, including common misconceptions around safety and performance, warrants more detailed exploration and forms the basis of a subsequent article.

In Summary

Natural grass should remain the foundation of play landscapes wherever conditions allow, providing environmental, sensory and developmental benefits that synthetic materials cannot replicate. Where impact surfaces are required, designers should first explore solutions that support living systems, such as reinforced grass, then sand or bark alongside lower-impact alternatives including the emerging organic surfaces such as bound cork.

Surely the role of the playground designer is to prioritise nature-led solutions and guide decisions that balance safety, durability and environmental responsibility.

What Chattowood Teaches Us About the Future of New Housing Landscapes

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 22:15:08 GMT

Did any of you see Arit Anderson’s BBC Gardeners’ World Feature at Chattowood in Essex?

Featured on BBC Gardeners’ World and creating the backdrop to our Resilient Gardens Workshop (click and watch the short film below) the Chattowood development shows how a landscape-led, biodiverse design could shape the next generation of climate-resilient housing developments.

Back in late November 2025 Chris Packham CBE delivered a stark reminder of our shared responsibility to the “pale blue dot” we all call home and to the scientists and environmental leaders who reinforced the urgency of acting now, it feels right to look at places where this thinking is already shaping action. Chattowood is one such example: a place where landscape-led design is showing what climate-ready, people-focused development can achieve.

Arit Anderson then reported back from our visit to Chattowood housing development as part of BBC Gardeners’ World, (Friday 21 ^st November 2025 - watch on the BBC iPlayer ). She began with a scene familiar to anyone who has visited a newly built estate in the UK. Straight roads, functional fencing and strips of obligatory turf, spaces that are technically landscaped but rarely loved. It was a gentle reminder of the gap between what is delivered and what is possible.

As she walked further in, that picture dissolved. The camera followed her into streets full of movement and colour: grasses shifting in the wind, drought-tolerant perennials catching the light, and pollinators tracing easy paths from flower to flower. These front gardens felt rooted and expressive, unusual qualities in a landscape so young.

Arit paused with a resident who shared, simply, the emotional impact: the flowers “bring joy,” she said, and looking out of her window “makes you feel happy.” It was a reminder that landscape influences our wellbeing long before we speak about ecology or climate. Arit highlighted seasonal structure, planting logic and Beth Chatto’s “right plant, right place” philosophy, not as jargon, but as the quiet intelligence that helps places feel cared for.

Her film positioned Chattowood not as an exception, but as evidence that new developments can and should look and feel like this. It showed what is possible when design teams begin with landscape rather than treat it as an afterthought.

That resonance felt particularly strong because, a few months earlier, Arit joined us as a keynote speaker at the Anglian Water Resilient Gardens & Sustainable Landscapes workshop. The afternoon included a tour of Chattowood led by the Beth Chatto Gardens team. We walked the same pavements later shown on television, discussing planting combinations, soil preparation, water strategies and long-term maintenance. These conversations about resilience, joy, and horticultural intelligence were reflected clearly in her broadcast.

A Day of Shared Purpose at Beth Chatto Gardens

The workshop brought together practitioners, policy leads, designers and horticulturists to explore what resilient landscapes must achieve in the years ahead. Beth Chatto Gardens; rooted in observation, ecological sensitivity and horticultural discipline, offered the ideal setting for these conversations.

Across the day, key themes kept returning: healthy soils; slowing and holding water; the role of shade, structure and texture in responding to heat; and the emotional and sensory value of planting. These discussions were not about ornamentation, but about the systems that sustain life — systems landscape architects must now design with clear intention.

The principles explored at the workshop echo over a d ecade of Landscape Institute leadership promoting landscape-led planning . Profitable Places (2014) demonstrated how well-designed landscapes add social, ecological and commercial value. The New Generation of Garden Cities outlined five principles for planning settlements that begin with the land; its water, ecology and identity.

These documents, along with the Institute’s broader policy work, reinforce a central idea: place comes before architecture, and landscape sets the framework into which streets, homes and public spaces are woven. In 2026 the LI has run a series of regional conferences on the subject and then last month Pro Landscaper ran an event ' The Housebuilding Revolution ' in London all highlighting importance landscape-led developments.

A 'green flag' housing accreditation scheme

It is clear the industry is aligning with developers recognising the value residents place on planting and green infrastructure. Planners see that nature-rich places support health and climate adaptation. Design teams know landscape cannot be retrofitted effectively it must lead the process.

There is also growing interest in establishing a clearer benchmark for resilient gardens and landscapes, giving residents, councils and developers confidence in standards for planting, soil, water, biodiversity and stewardship. A formal accreditation scheme, similar to housing energy ratings but for the gardens and public spaces would reward those developments that offer more inclusive, accessible and biodiverse nature friendly green spaces.

Davies White - leading by example

These ideas are already being realised in two our latest projects at Davies White Ltd Landscape Architects. With Nene Park Trust and Allison Homes just outside Stamford, we are shaping a landscape-first scheme where biodiversity, accessibility, climate resilience and community life guide every decision for the new Quarry Farm Country Park project.

Further south, at Alconbury Weald, we are working with Nene Park Trust and Urban & Civic on P restley Country Park, a major new landscape south of Peterborough. Ecological restoration, inclusive access and long-term stewardship are being brought together to create a generous, resilient public landscape for people and wildlife.

If the last decade highlighted the importance of green infrastructure, the next will be about putting it to work not as a finishing touch, but as essential civic and ecological infrastructure. The landscapes we create must deal with heat, water and biodiversity in practical ways, while supporting wellbeing and community life. Arit’s Gardeners’ World feature showed a much wider national audience what this looks like on the ground. The Beth Chatto workshop and then the LI's, BALI's and Pro Landscaper's seminars all confirmed that our profession already has the tools, knowledge and experience to deliver such places consistently.

After hearing Chris Packham CBE and others call for stronger leadership back in November 2025, it is encouraging to see projects like Chattowood and our schemes in Cambridgeshire demonstrating how landscape-led thinking translates into real outcomes. When landscape shapes the brief from the start, the benefits; environmental and social are clear.

As we look to the decade ahead, the responsibility is ours: to apply these principles with purpose and collaboration, and to create landscapes that help communities and nature adapt and thrive.

Here at Davies White we are looking forward to sharing more about our two new housing and country park projects , the collaborative process behind them and how they are focused on delivering sustainable, biodiverse, inclusive and resilient public landscapes and private gardens as part of new housing developments; watch this space!

The Healing Power of Nature: The Princess of Wales Marks Her Birthday with a Message of Recovery, Reflection and Renewal

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:55:54 GMT

As Catherine, Princess of Wales shares the final film in her Mother Nature series, her words echo a long-standing commitment to nature, wellbeing and the restorative power of landscapes — from personal healing to the legacy of the RHS Back to Nature Gardens.

T his week, Catherine, Princess of Wales marked her 44th birthday by sharing a deeply personal and poetic message on the healing power of nature. Released by Kensington Palace, the short film concludes her four-part Mother Nature video series, which has followed the changing seasons across the UK and reflected on the role of the natural world in her own recovery following cancer treatment.

The final instalment, Winter, is perhaps the most intimate. Set against quiet winter landscapes; woodlands, rivers, mountains and skies alive with murmuration. Catherine speaks of stillness, gratitude and reflection. “Even in the coldest, darkest season,” she says, “ winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration.” Nature, she reflects, becomes “a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides… helping us to heal.”

Across the series, Catherine has shared her belief that nature supports both individual and collective wellbeing; mentally, physically and emotionally. The language is deliberately gentle and almost spiritual, speaking of rivers within us flowing freely, fears being washed away, and the importance of coming to peace with our tears. It is a reminder that healing is rarely hurried, and that the rhythms of the natural world can help us reconnect with ourselves in profound ways.

This message builds on a thread that has run consistently through the Princess of Wales’ work for many years. In 2019, she co-designed the RHS Back to Nature Garden for the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, working closely wit h Davies White Ltd, t he landscape architects responsible for shaping the garden’s design and delivery.

In fact, four Back to Nature gardens were created and reimagined during 2019 at Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace and beyond; each designed to immerse visitors in a woodland-inspired setting that encouraged curiosity, imaginative play, calm and connection with the outdoors. The gardens were conceived not as showpieces alone, but as places to be explored, climbed through, lingered in and learned from.

Those gardens were rooted in a simple but powerful idea: that spending time in nature helps us feel better, cope better, and grow stronger; particularly children and young people. Research continues to reinforce what many instinctively know: access to green spaces can reduce stress, support mental health, improve physical wellbeing and nurture creativity and resilience.

Never has this felt more important. In a fast-paced, digitally saturated world, opportunities for quiet reflection and reconnection with nature are increasingly precious. Catherine’s Mother Nature series is both a personal reflection and a wider call to action; encouraging us to slow down, step outside, and rediscover our relationship with the natural world.

As she wrote in her accompanying message, this project is “a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.” It is a message that feels timely, hopeful and enduring; reminding us that nature is not simply something to visit, but something we belong to, and something that can help us build a happier, healthier future together.

Click here to read more about: The RHS Back to Nature gardens  on the Royal Family website.

FutureScape USA: A Landmark Launch for the Landscape Profession

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:37:25 GMT

I was delighted to attend the inaugural FutureScape USA in person. This article shares some of my personal highlights from the event, including international best practice, seminar programme and the Pro Landscaper International Awards - North & South America Heat.

Held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, the two-day event brought together professionals from across the USA landscape sector, combining trade stands, seminars, live demonstrations, networking and awards to establish an exciting new Pro Landscaper platform on the West Coast.

From the outset, I was welcomed with open arms, including the loan of a cowboy hat, courtesy of Edwards Wallace from Midwest Landscaping . The conversations, the openness of the speakers and the willingness of attendees to share experience created an atmosphere that felt reassuringly familiar to that of the UK.

The trade stands reflected the scale and diversity of the North American market, while also addressing shared global challenges around water, climate, materials and long-term performance. What was particularly reassuring was the way many encouraged conversations rooted in real projects rather than salesmanship, allowing designers, contractors, manufacturers and decision-makers to openly share knowledge and experience .

The seminar programme added real depth, with several sessions expertly chaired by Nina Mason from Pro Landscaper. Across the two days, discussions explored climate resilience, water and firescaping strategies, a daily reality in California - alongside business growth, technology, marketing and the future direction of landscape practice. I just wish I had had more time to attend them.

I particularly enjoyed Josh Blakeley’s seminar (click this link), 2026 Marketing Playbook: Adapting to the AI Revolution , which provided clear, practical guidance on how landscape professionals on both sides of the Atlantic need to embrace AI and new technology to help adapt their marketing strategies in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The networking opportunities led to plenty of informal conversations between sessions. A particularly lovely surprise was a cameo appearance from my old friend Steve McCurdy, founder and owner of Majestic Trees (UK), who happened to be on his annual visit to California with his wife, visiting family and friends.

The NADRA-hosted VIP Lounge became a focal point, hosting curated discussions, informal networking and the celebration of talent through initiatives such as Rising Stars, The Fifty and Meet the Creator.

I was delighted to meet and speak with Michael Beaudry from NADRA , and to exchange t-shirts; I left with a USA NADRA one, while he departed with a UK #chooselandscape t-shirt.

The presentation of The Fifty was a highlight and rather than focusing solely on projects, it recognised individuals actively shaping the direction of the profession across the United States, from landscape designers and architects to those driving innovation, construction and supply.

Alongside this was the Rising Stars Awards which provided a genuinely uplifting moment. Shining a light on emerging professionals already making an impact, the programme highlighted ambition, innovation and commitment to quality across a broad range of disciplines, reinforcing confidence in the profession’s future.

Pro Landscaper International Awards – North & South America Heat

Click here to see all the shortlisted finalists!

Taking place as part of the inaugural FutureScape USA, the first Pro Landscaper International Awards – North & South America Heat formed a central pillar of the programme. I was honoured to represent the UK and to chair the judging panel.

I was joined by two highly respected American landscape professionals whose perspectives added real depth to the process. Lindsay Ono brought an invaluable understanding of horticultural education, plant performance and community-focused practice from across California and the wider United States.

Francesca Corra , APLD, contributed a garden design-led perspective rooted in water-wise principles, sustainability and residential design experience, alongside a strong appreciation for creativity and garden design with heart. Together, their insights along with mine as a landscape architect ensured robust, balanced deliberations throughout.

What immediately set this awards programme apart was its format. Each shortlisted team presented their project live to the panel, followed by a structured Q&A session. This shifted the emphasis away from imagery on a screen and towards intent, purpose and performance. It allowed us to interrogate why decisions were made, how constraints were handled and how projects were functioning once delivered. My favourite question to ask was: “If you could change one thing now the project is complete, what would it be?"

Across the two days, we reviewed work spanning private residential gardens, conceptual proposals, civic landscapes and large scale hospital, school and library projects. While contexts varied widely, the strongest schemes shared a disciplined clarity, an understanding that good landscape design is often defined as much by what is left out as what is included.

The global final will take place at FutureScape Global in Riyadh, June 2026 , where finalists from each region, including our winners from South & North America will present to an international judging panel.

The Residential Project Under $500k category winner reinforced that budget is not a barrier to quality. Resilience in Bloom, designed by Shireen Zia , founder and owner of Ecogardens , showed how a modest site could be elevated through biodiversity-rich planting and a clear, efficient layout.

Strong pollinator value and layered planting delivered both ecological contribution and everyday enjoyment at a small scale. Projects of this nature are still too rare; yet they should be the norm. The design, and the way it was presented, demonstrated real heart, empathy and integrity.

The Concept Project category highlighted the importance of credibility alongside ambition. Scottsdale Ranch by Michael Bernier Design demonstrated this balance with confidence. Bold planting forms were paired with practical, drought-responsive strategies, resulting in a proposal that felt distinctive yet genuinely buildable.

The CGI illustrations were particularly strong, retaining a hand-drawn quality often lost in digital rendering.

In the Commercial Project category, ASU Hayden Library by Trueform Landscape Architecture Studio demonstrated how landscape intervention can fundamentally reshape an institutional setting.

Improvements to accessibility, shade and social space transformed an underperforming campus environment into a more resilient, inclusive and engaging place for students and visitors alike; a genuinely world-class project, confidently and clearly presented by Trueform Principal, Todd Briggs.

At the civic scale, Luna Park by Landscape Craft Studio Inc was the winner of the City Landscape Project category. Clear spatial organisation, generous tree cover and well-considered community programming combine to create a welcoming, inclusive green space designed for everyday, cross-generational use.

Principal and founder Jerico Farfan delivered a thoughtful and assured presentation, using drone footage to great effect to explain the project’s methodical layout, clear circulation and the positive impact the landscape has had on the wider community.

In the Residential Project Over $500k category, Rich Residence by K&D Landscaping stood out for its coherence and restraint. Carefully judged material choices, combined with a boundary strategy that created a borrowed landscape effect with the neighbouring golf course, resulted in a garden that supports flexible, active outdoor living while remaining robust and resilient.

The project was excellently presented with clarity and passion by Justin White (CEO) and Tony Battistella (Director of Growth).

Looking ahead

Pro Landscaper USA , the Pro Landscaper International Awards and FutureScape USA have established a strong foundation in their first year, providing a global platform for sharing best practice, raising standards and celebrating excellence in landscape architecture, design, delivery and aftercare.

Having attended FutureScape UK since its launch, it was genuinely special to witness the launch of FutureScape USA . As a long-standing supporter and ambassador of Pro Landscaper since the magazine was founded by Jim Wilkinson and Lisa Wilkinson over a decade ago, the experience felt deeply personal. There was a real sense of pride in seeing the next chapter unfold, rather like a proud uncle watching on, as a young, dynamic and highly professional team delivered a world-class event over two outstanding days. The confidence, energy and attention to detail on display reflected not only how far the brand has come, but also the strength of the community that now surrounds it.

A final thank you to Jamie Wilkinson , Nina Mason , and the entire Pro Landscaper and FutureScape team at Eljays44 for inviting me to be part of such a special occasion. I look forward to continuing to support you, promote the profession and inspire the next generation to #chooselandscape.

Reflections from Los Angeles: The Blue Ribbon Garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:44:46 GMT

Planting, people and calm in one of Los Angeles’s most magical and secret community gardens: Adam returns to his favourite park after 17 years!

Hello from sunny Los Angeles, I have been here supporting Pro Landscaper at their first FutureScape USA event and joining fellow judges for the Pro Landscaper International Design Awards . It was an inspiring and energising experience, and a strong foundation for future Pro Landscaper events in the United States.

While in California, I also made time to visit several parks and gardens, and today I’m sharing my thoughts on The Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a garden I last visited in 2008 , and one that remains quietly remarkable more than two decades after its creation.

Set 34 feet above Hope Street, the garden offers elevated views across downtown Los Angeles. On clear days, visitors can glimpse landmarks including the Los Angeles Central Library, the Hollywood Sign and even the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite these expansive outlooks, the garden feels surprisingly intimate an impressive achievement given its rooftop setting and the dramatic architecture that surrounds it.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by the late Frank Gehry (February 1929 – December 2025), opened in 2003 as a sculptural, silver-clad landmark occupying an entire city block. The Blue Ribbon Garden followed in 2004 , completing the vision for the building with a carefully designed planted public realm elevated above the street.

Wrapping the building on three sides, the garden provides a soft counterpoint to Gehry’s expressive steel façade. The building’s gleaming curves energise the urban setting, while simultaneously sheltering and cosseting a horticultural oasis spread across the 3.6-acre site.

The gardens were realised through a close collaboration between Melinda Taylor of Melinda Taylor Garden Design , who led the planting design and sensory character of the space, and Lawrence Reed of Moline, Ltd, who served as landscape architect, overseeing the broader landscape planning and its integration with the architecture.

Together, they created two distinct yet connected gardens:

the Main Garden, running along the west side of the hall above Hope Street, and
the more intimate Founders’ Garden, located at the corner of First and Hope Streets.

Both are carefully scaled to feel human, welcoming and restorative within a major civic setting, an intentional contrast to the monumental architecture they accompany.

Entry to the Main Garden is via broad stairways, where the planting immediately establishes the garden’s tone. Beds of perennials and shrubs flow in organic contours, their forms echoing the curves of the building, while mature ornamental trees provide structure and rhythm. The planting palette is restrained, confident and deliberately repeated. This is not a collector’s garden, but a composed landscape built on clarity and consistency. The effect is calm without ever being dull.

Visitors are greeted by sculptural Erythrina coralloides (naked coral tree), native to Mexico, its form dramatic even when leafless. Repeated throughout the garden is Bauhinia × blakeana , the Hong Kong orchid tree, while generous drifts of Strobilanthus cusia soften paths and provide seasonal depth.

One of the quieter highlights is Dombeya wallichii , the pink ball tree from Madagascar. Its enormous, velvety leaves cloak the tree from crown to ground, hinting at the spectacular pink flower clusters that appear in autumn and winter. Although not yet in bloom during my visit, it’s a plant that clearly rewards return trips.

Planting with Touch, Scent and Memory

Taylor’s approach to planting is deeply tactile and sensory. She knits together plants that invite touch — from the downy leaves of Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’ and woolly variegated helichrysum , to aromatic herbs such as rosemary , Russian sage and scented pelargoniums .

Airy grasses and sedges support movement and lightness, while roses are pegged to scramble across walls facing the street. Montanoa grandiflora , the daisy tree, provides dappled shade and seasonal drama.

A sense of tradition rather than trend governs the palette. Taylor has spoken about favouring long-established nursery plants, often familiar from residential gardens, but used here in a civic context. She deliberately avoided predictable public-realm staples such as strelitzia and star jasmine, instead expanding the vocabulary of what a civic garden can be.

Milkweed and salvias reflect a personal interest in wildlife, supporting birds, bees and butterflies and reinforcing the garden’s ecological value.

At the heart of the Main Garden sits the Lillian Disney Memorial Fountain , known as A Rose for Lillian. Designed by Gehry and clad in thousands of fragments of Royal Delft blue porcelain, the rose-shaped fountain is both artwork and memorial.

Its origins are deeply personal. During early discussions about the concert hall, Gehry noticed a cabinet of imitation Delft vases in Lillian Disney’s home. She explained that she and Walt Disney had a tradition of buying the replicas from airport souvenir shops during their travels, delighting in challenging friends to spot the fakes. That small story became the inspiration for the fountain, a human gesture set against one of Los Angeles’s most iconic buildings.

What struck me most on this visit was how the garden functions as an urban refuge . Despite its central location, it attracts calm, low-key use: readers, lunch time folk, couples, photographers and solo visitors (like me) seeking a pause from the city.

The Blue Ribbon Garden shows what is possible when planting is treated as primary design infrastructure rather than just decoration.

Limited palettes, repeated forms, and plants chosen for structure, seasonality and longevity create a landscape that remains compelling year after year. It is a garden worth returning to for how confidently and calmly it holds its place alongside one of the world’s most expressive buildings.

What stays with me is not a single plant or feature, but the feeling of being comfortably held within the garden. The Blue Ribbon Garden never overwhelms. It invites you to slow down, sit, wander and return; proof that thoughtful planting and careful scale can leave a deeper impression than spectacle alone.

Chris Packham’s Call to Leadership – National Emergency Briefing

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 20:10:24 GMT

Chris Packham’s keynote made clear that hope is not passive. Hope is created through action

This week I listened to Chris Packham CBE deliver a powerful and uncompromising keynote address to a room of policymakers, advisors, scientists, environmental leaders and professionals from across the UK’s nature, climate and land-use sectors. His message was direct, deeply informed, and intentionally uncomfortable: we are running out of time, and the cost of further delay will be measured not in inconvenience, but in lives, ecosystems and futures lost.

Packham opened with a reminder of our shared home – the “pale blue dot” that holds every life that has ever existed. It is a simple truth we overlook too easily: there is nowhere else. Everything we depend on is here. And yet, despite our intelligence and ingenuity as a species, we continue to undermine the natural systems that make our existence possible.

He set out four critical themes:

First , the structural failures of global climate politics. COP30, he noted, has once again demonstrated that consensus-driven structures are unable to deliver the level of urgent, binding action the science demands. Fossil fuel influence remains strong, ambition is diluted, and the world moves forward at a pace far slower than the risks require.

Second, he highlighted the erosion of public understanding through misinformation. When the public cannot access clear, evidence-based information, and when media narratives are shaped by vested interests, it becomes harder for society to recognise the scale of the crisis – and harder still for politicians to act boldly.

Third , he drew parallels with recent UK governance failures. The COVID Inquiry revealed what happens when evidence is ignored and scientific advice sidelined. Decisions came too late; lives were lost unnecessarily. Packham reminded us that the same pattern persists in environmental policy, citing the continued badger cull – a programme sustained despite the government’s own scientific evidence advising against it.

Finally, he underlined what is truly at stake: not thousands, not millions, but billions of lives across human and non-human communities. Climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are no longer abstract trends; they are measurable, accelerating and already affecting people and nature across the UK and the world.

Listening to him, I was struck by how closely his analysis aligns with the Landscape Institute’s messaging in 2025. The UK Climate Change Committee’s latest Adaptation Progress Report has already warned that we are inadequately prepared for rising heat, increased flooding, water scarcity and ecosystem decline. As a profession, we know that landscape is not peripheral to this challenge it is central.

A landscape-led approach provides integrated, nature-based and place-based solutions across land, water, infrastructure, health, development and the economy. It reduces risk, increases resilience, restores biodiversity and supports long-term wellbeing. This is the case we have made consistently at the Landscape Institute: landscape is critical infrastructure.

During my presidency of the LI in 2019–2020, we declared a climate and biodiversity emergency the first UK built environment body to do so and set out our Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan. The message we shared then remains true today:

“When we look back on this moment, we must be certain that our actions have truly helped to safeguard life in all its forms on this planet not just for today, but for generations to come.”

That call to responsibility echoed something Sir David Attenborough said to me later that same year, when I presented him with the Landscape Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award and made him an Honorary Fellow of the Landscape Institute.

In his characteristically gentle but uncompromising way, he traced the arc of our understanding: from the early days of collecting rare animals for spectacle, to the realisation that saving a species means saving its ecosystem, and now to the truth that the entire planet is the ecosystem at risk. “ We are at a hinge moment ,” he warned. Our task is not simply to protect distant wildernesses but to help people reconnect with the natural world on their own doorstep because most humans now live in cities, disconnected from the very systems that sustain them. Sir David said, “Y ou have a great responsibility to bring the realities of the natural world to the understanding and the love of human beings worldwide. ” His words remain a profound reminder that our work is not just technical or aesthetic: it is educational, cultural and deeply moral. Landscape architects are uniquely placed to help society rediscover that connection and in doing so, to safeguard the life-support systems on which we all depend.

Chris Packham’s keynote made clear that hope is not passive. Hope is created through action. As landscape professionals, we have a responsibility to act: to champion nature-based solutions, to shape places that are resilient and biodiverse, to influence policy, to lead with evidence, and to help communities adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Our work touches every part of the climate and nature agenda – water, habitat, heat, soil, carbon, health, equity and placemaking. Chris and several other informed, educated and inspiring speakers addressed the room of decision-makers, but his message applies to all of us. Let future generations see that we listened, that we acted, and that we helped protect the only home we will ever have.

What the other speakers had to say, a short summary:

Prof Nathalie Seddon: Nature should be treated as essential national infrastructure. Our current economic model is destroying the very systems it depends on. We need an economy that works with nature, not one that strips it bare.
Prof Kevin Anderson : Staying below 1.5°C is no longer realistic. We are heading into conditions that threaten the stability of civilisation itself. Incremental tweaks won’t cut it only rapid deployment of proven measures and a shift toward “private sufficiency and public luxury” will.
Prof Hayley Fowler : Extreme weather is escalating faster than climate models predicted. A catastrophic, Europe-scale flood in the UK sounds impossible until it arrives.

Prof Tim Fenton: Major climate tipping points, including the potential collapse of the AMOC that keeps the UK temperate, could be triggered at under 2°C of warming. Only firm government policy, regulation and taxation can spark the positive tipping points we need in energy, transport and heat.
Prof Paul Behrens: Our food system is undermining the natural foundations it relies on. Shifting what we eat and how we produce it delivers multiple wins: lower emissions, healthier landscapes, and reduced pressure on the NHS.
Prof Hugh M: Like many health threats, people find it hard to act on risks that feel distant or uncertain. Climate change must be re-framed as a health emergency the danger is guaranteed, and the consequences are severe.
Lt Gen Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE: Climate change amplifies global security risks, fueling conflict, resource pressures and population displacement. Without action at the true scale of the threat, our institutions may not cope.
Angela Francis & Tessa Khan: The current market setup makes climate action harder than it should be, but the transition itself is economically favourable. Renewables rely on free fuel, ever-cheaper tech, and enormous efficiency gains. We’ve transformed energy systems before; we can do it again, and this time more fairly. Angela Francis’ breakdown of the economic myths blocking progress is well worth reading.

In moments like this, it becomes clear that we need to continue to inspire the next generation of landscape professionals people who will carry this work forward long after us. www.chooselandscape.org showcases the creativity, purpose and societal value of a career in landscape, inviting young people to see themselves as future custodians of our planet.

If you would like to become involved and join us as #chooselandscape ambassadors, then simply click on the link to contact and find out more.

Nick Ruddle’s NEW Podcast: Landscaping in Challenging Times

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:15:10 GMT

Reflections on Episode 8: From Ideas to Action in 90 Days

“Landscaping in Challenging Times” is a podcast by business coach Nick Ruddle , created to help landscape businesses succeed despite rising costs, shifting demand, and tighter margins. Each concise episode focuses on a specific challenge such as cashflow, profitability, team productivity, or quoting, and offers three practical actions that listeners can apply immediately .

Listening to his latest episode really struck a chord. His theme bridging the gap between ideas and implementation applies every bit as much to design studios as it does to landscape construction businesses. As landscape architects, we’re surrounded by ideas. Every week begins with creative intent new projects, concepts, collaborations, and improvements. But by Friday, it’s easy to feel that much of that energy has been absorbed by client demands, inboxes, and deadlines. Nick’s reminder was clear: ideas are only powerful when they’re converted into consistent, measurable action.

We particularly liked his emphasis on the 90-day planning cycle. For a design practice, that rhythm makes sense. It sits neatly alongside the natural ebb and flow of RIBA Stages, long enough to make meaningful progress, short enough to keep momentum alive. Instead of setting ambitious annual goals that drift, breaking objectives into quarterly outcomes feels far more achievable and energising .

Nick’s point that “speed of implementation beats speed of thinking” also resonated. In creative professions, it’s not about producing more designs, but about improving flow turning a good concept into a coordinated package, or ensuring decisions actually lead to change on the ground. He talked too about visibility and accountability, which hit home. A plan that sits in a folder isn’t a plan it’s a wish list. Whether it’s pinned on a studio wall, shared on Teams, or reviewed over coffee every Monday, keeping goals visible keeps them real.

How do the lessons translates to the design stages:

For client relations a weekly rhythm; checking in on proposals, bids, and design stages prevents opportunities from stalling.
For studio management, small 30-day fixes (like refining templates or improving communication at handover) create compound gains.
And for team culture, encouraging everyone to bring one improvement idea each week builds ownership and positivity .

The key message? Predictability over perfection. If you can deliver what you promise on time, to the quality expected you build trust. And with trust comes freedom: to be creative, to innovate, and to lead confidently. Nick’s episode reinforced that the RIBA Work Stages may frame what we deliver, but they don’t define how we grow. Running a design-led practice requires just as much attention to systems, rhythm, and communication as it does to creativity.

Catch up and listen to all the episodes by clicking here!

Phytoncides: Nature’s Invisible Ally in Landscape Design

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 15:21:50 GMT

Phytoncides: Natural Antimicrobial Compounds Released by Plants

Trees and plants are more than green infrastructure: they are living chemical factories. Among their most fascinating outputs are phytoncides — natural antimicrobial compounds released to defend against bacteria, fungi, and insects. The term comes from the Greek phyton (plant) and -cide (to kill). Conifers such as pine, cedar, fir, and spruce are particularly rich sources, filling the air with invisible volatiles that protect the plant and, as science is now showing, quietly benefit us too.

Why they matter for human health

Recent studies suggest that breathing phytoncide-rich air can:

Boost immunity – increasing natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight viruses and even cancer cells.
Reduce stress – lowers cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Improve mood and sleep – supporting relaxation and resilience.

A 2024 global review confirmed these benefits, not only in forests but also indoors where wood oils were present. Earlier research in Japan by Dr. Qing Li showed that essential oils from pines and cedars could strengthen immune responses in controlled trials. In simple terms: when we walk through phytoncide-rich landscapes, the air itself helps train our immune system and calm our nervous system.

What this means for landscape design

For designers, this is more than an interesting scientific footnote. Planting design becomes not just visual or ecological, but a form of health infrastructure . The species we select, the density we create, and the way we arrange planting all have subtle biological impacts.

Across our work at Davies White; from country parks and woodland trails to school play gardens and heritage sites we design landscapes where phytoncides are part of the story. Many of our projects sit in woodland settings or feature playful planting that naturally includes pine, oak, birch, willow, rosemary, lavender, thyme, mint, and other safe, child-friendly species. These choices enrich play, deepen sensory engagement, and, as the evidence suggests, support wellbeing.

To see how this comes to life, explore some of our case studies:

Moel Famau Nature Play Trail - Set within a mixed conifer woodland where species such as pine and spruce are natural sources of phytoncides, creating an immersive play and learning environment.

RHS Back to Nature Garden - Featuring a multi-stemmed Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), one of the strongest phytoncide-emitting conifers and a key species in European forests.
Gosford Forest Trail - A woodland adventure within mixed woodland and open parkland, home to both conifer and broadleaf species. Notable trees include fir (Abies spectabilis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Norway spruce (Picea abies), all recognised as strong phytoncide emitters.
Boscobel House Royal Oak Play Space - Featuring a long, playful willow tunnel. Willow (Salix spp.) is a broadleaf tree that emits volatile compounds such as salicylates, offering a child-friendly, tactile, and resilient planting feature.

The Wild Garden - Co-designed with Dr Julie Crocombe for children with autism, this garden offers calm connection with nature. At its heart, a hollow Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) releases gentle phytoncides that soothe and restore.

Which trees and plants help most?

Strong emitters: pine, cedar, fir, spruce, cypress, juniper.
Broadleaf contributors: oak, birch, willow, eucalyptus (eucalyptus is less suited to play spaces).
Smaller plants: rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme, mint, lemon balm.

Family friendly gardens and landscapes

In child focused green spaces, most of these are safe and familiar. Pine, birch, oak, willow, rosemary, lavender, mint, lemon balm, and thyme are excellent for sensory planting and low risk. Species such as cedar, cypress, and juniper can be valuable in woodland edges but should be positioned thoughtfully, avoiding direct child contact with berries or resinous foliage. Eucalyptus, while potent, is rarely appropriate in UK settings. Handled well, these plants turn play environments into spaces where invisible plant chemistry becomes part of the fun - calming, protecting, and engaging children in multisensory ways.

Playful planting and tackling plant blindness

For over 20 years, Davies White has championed playful planting: encouraging children and families to smell, touch, and taste plants, from lemon balm leaves to lavender flowers. These encounters do more than enrich play — they counter plant blindness, the tendency to overlook common plants, and address nature deficit disorder, the disconnection many children experience from the natural world.

Our Playful Planting: Nature’s Playground field note post highlights how texture, fragrance, edible plants, sound, and seasonal change can transform planting into an active part of play. Combined with phytoncide-aware planting, these strategies stimulate all the senses, build curiosity, and quietly boost wellbeing.

Practical design takeaways

Designers and educators can encourage phytoncide exposure by:

Prioritising species rich in monoterpenes (pine, cedar, fir, cypress) where context allows.
Creating layered planting and sheltered glades that hold scent and atmosphere.
Using sensory herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender in raised beds for hands-on play.
Pairing planting with activity from forest walks to outdoor classrooms so children actively engage with the air and plants around them.
Educating through experience making the invisible chemistry of plants part of storytelling and science learning.

A quiet case for “healthy green”

The science of phytoncides reinforces a simple but profound truth: landscapes nurture people as well as place. Well-chosen planting can be both playful and protective, both beautiful and biologically active. At Davies White, this underpins our ethos of healthy green design . By weaving biodiversity, sensory planting, and phytoncide-rich species into our landscapes, we create spaces that support ecology, spark curiosity, and act as quiet infrastructure for wellbeing. For landscape architects, funders, schools, and community leaders, the message is clear: green spaces are more than amenities. Designed thoughtfully, they are places where every breath can be restorative and where the chemistry of plants helps children and families thrive.

Strong phytoncide emitters:

Pine ( Pinus spp .) – rich in α-pinene, classic forest phytoncide source.
Cedar ( Cedrus spp. / Thuja spp .) – powerful volatile oils, often used in studies.
Fir ( Abies spp .) – balsamic scent, strong monoterpene output.
Spruce ( Picea spp .) – another conifer high in phytoncides.
Cypress ( Cupressus spp. / Chamaecyparis spp .) – high phytoncidal output.
Juniper ( Juniperus spp. ) – aromatic, antimicrobial volatiles .

Trees with phytoncidal properties

Oak ( Quercus spp. ) – emits tannins and some volatiles, lower than conifers but still present.
Birch ( Betula spp .) – lighter contribution, often used in woodland mixes.
Willow ( Salix spp .) – salicylates with mild antimicrobial effects.
Eucalyptus spp. (if used) – globally recognised for volatile oils.

Shrubs, herbs, and smaller plants:

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) – cineole, antimicrobial.
Sage ( Salvia officinalis ) – strong antimicrobial volatiles.
Lavender ( Lavandula spp. ) – calming volatiles, lower phytoncidal effect but strong sensory link.
Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) – thymol, carvacrol.
Mint ( Mentha spp. ) – menthol-rich volatiles.

Playbuilder’s 2009 Legacy: Why Natural Play Still Matters in 2025

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:27:42 GMT

From Playbuilder to Play Commission: What We’ve Learned About Children’s Right to Play.

The Playbuilder and Pathfinder programme (2008–2011) was the most ambitious investment in children’s play that England has ever seen. Backed by more than £225 million, the initiative aimed to create or refurbish over 3,500 play spaces nationwide. Its purpose was to move away from the tired model of standardised equipment on tarmac or rubber surfacing and instead deliver imaginative, bespoke play environments that embraced nature, inclusivity, and challenge. Thirty local authorities were designated “Play Pathfinders,” tasked with delivering exemplary sites to showcase new thinking in design and community engagemen t.

At the centre of this transformation were ideas pioneered by Andrée Davies FLI and Adam White FLI, Chartered Landscape Architects who first met at the environmental charity Groundwork before founding Davies White Ltd in 2005. Their breakthrough came with the Playscape show garden at RHS Hampton Court in 2007, which won an RHS Gold Medal and the BBC People’s Choice Award. Rejecting conventional metal-and-rubber playgrounds, it presented a child-led world of logs, boulders, landform, water, and planting.

The Playscape was quickly adopted by Play England and featured prominently in the government-backed Design for Play (2008) and Managing Risk in Play Provision (2008) guides. Permanent Playscapes in Kingston upon Thames and Ealing were built as direct legacies of this work, both later showcased nationally as best practice.

Remarkably, both sites remain as popular as ever in 2025, supported by their own proactive and independent Friends of Groups, a testament to the strength of community engagement and the enduring appeal of natural play.

This design philosophy influenced the Playbuilder/Pathfinder programme, helping to embed risk–benefit thinking, playful planting, and naturalistic play design into mainstream public provision. Yet the initiative was not without flaws. Tight delivery timetables and inconsistent consultation led to patchy quality, and the abrupt withdrawal of central funding in 2010 left many local authorities struggling to complete or maintain schemes. Some play spaces thrived and remain cherished, but others quickly deteriorated, highlighting the dangers of short-term investment without long-term planning.

Despite this, the programme’s legacy endures. It shifted the national conversation, seeded a generation of more adventurous, inclusive play spaces, and proved that investment in imaginative outdoor environments could transform children’s lives. It also demonstrated the importance of community engagement and maintenance; lessons that remain vital today.

Fast forward to 2025, and the urgency around children’s play is louder than ever. The Raising the Nation Play Commission’s final report, Everything to Play For, described the current situation as a “national wake-up call.” It found that children’s time spent outdoors has fallen by more than 50% in a single generation, leaving them increasingly “sedentary, scrolling and alone.”

The report calls for a new National Play Strategy, backed by £125 million per year, a statutory duty on local authorities, more school playtime, and the removal of outdated restrictions such as “No Ball Games” signs.

This moment echoes the Playbuilder/Pathfinder years, but with even greater urgency. If 2008–2011 was a burst of ambition that redefined what play could be, the 2025 report shows the cost of a decade without sustained investment: fragmented provision, declining access, and lost opportunities for health, creativity, and community connection.

For Davies White , the story has come full circle. The Playscape that helped inspire Playbuilder remains a touchstone for best practice in natural play, and today the practice continues to champion playful planting, inclusive landscapes, and child-led design . The 2025 Play Commission’s recommendations show that the lessons of the past are still relevant: bold investment, creative design, and long-term thinking are essential if every child in England is to have the right to play freely in safe, challenging, and inspiring outdoor spaces.

Research-led findings on the impact on play in the USA

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:50:00 GMT

Study of the Influence of Design on Use and Physical Activity in 60 USA Playgrounds

In 2024, the non-profit Studio Ludo based in Philadelphia, USA published The National USA Study of the Influence of Design on Use and Physical Activity in 60 Playgrounds, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, the RAND Corporation, and others, supported by the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

The study examined how playground design impacts physical activity, user demographics, and community health, comparing 30 innovative playgrounds with 30 traditional “KFC” playgrounds (kit, fence and carpet – or post-and-platform structures) across 10 American cities: Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The findings, while drawn from US sites, are rich with lessons for UK designers, planners, and policy makers in 2025. Many echo what we’ve experienced first-hand at Davies White Ltd: that design matters, community involvement matters, and the right design can measurably improve health, inclusion, and connection.

From Groundwork to Davies White: Participation and Ownership

For more than a decade, Andrée and I worked at Groundwork, the UK environmental charity that transforms neglected and underused spaces into thriving community assets, often in areas of deprivation. That grounding shaped our approach at Davies White Ltd. We believe engagement is not tokenistic consultation; it’s a process of genuine co-creation. When people help design their spaces, they feel ownership. That’s how you ensure that once the ribbon is cut, the space is loved, respected, and well used. It’s also why the US study resonated. While the contexts differ, the core question is the same: what makes people want to return again and again?

What Makes a Playground “Innovative”?

In the National Study, an innovative playground had to meet at least three of these criteria:

• Multiple surface types.

• Naturalised, planted areas designed specifically for play.

• Open-ended structures promoting creative exploration.

• Loose, movable equipment.

• A design approach beyond standard post-and-platform structures.

Each innovative playground was paired with a traditional one in a similar area of deprivation to ensure meaningful comparison.

How the US Team Measured Impact

The research team used:

• SOPARC-G – recording demographics, activity levels, and exact locations within the playground.

• Play Loop – observing behaviour and interaction over time.

• Dwell Time – measuring how long people stayed.

• Intercept Surveys – capturing preferences, travel modes, and visit frequency.

This multi-layered approach created a robust picture of how design affects use — exactly the kind of evidence UK designers can adapt.

Key US Findings:

• 2.5× more users at innovative playgrounds.

• Nearly 3× more MVPA (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity).

• After controlling for size, deprivation, and location: 43% more visitors, 43% more MVPA.

• In areas of deprivation, innovative design reduced the activity gap by 60% in visitor numbers and 70% in MVPA.

If similar results hold here, upgrading a traditional playground to an innovative, inclusive design could yield transformative public health benefits in UK communities.

Inclusive and Accessible Play

The US data reinforces what UK guidance, such as Design for Play, has long said: playgrounds should welcome all ages and abilities. Inclusive play is not about making every element usable by every person, but ensuring most experiences can be accessed by most people, and that everyone feels they belong in the space. In our work, we design for families to play together — where a wheelchair user, a toddler, and a grandparent can each find something joyful, often side by side.

Not Just for Children

Almost half (49%) of US playground visitors were over 13. Adults were most active when playing with children, particularly on swings, climbers, spinners, and in water play. In the UK context, this mirrors what we’ve seen in our own projects: multi-generational spaces strengthen social bonds, encourage repeat visits, and build healthier communities.

The Power of Sensory Play

The National Study recognised all eight senses — including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception — and their role in human development.

Key features linked to higher use and longer stays included:

• Swings: +6% visitors, +8% stay time per swing.

• Climbers: +4% visitors, +6% stay time each.

• Spinners: +31% longer stays each.

• High-speed features: +18% more users per feature.

• Towers (>6ft): +17% more users each.

• Berms: +9% more users each.

• Water play: +80% more child activity.

Playful Planting & Biodiversity

The US research found mature trees doubled visitor numbers and extended stays by 19%. In the UK, we can take this further. Planting for play not only enhances play value but:

• Improves biodiversity, attracting pollinators and wildlife.

• Provides shade, cooling urban heat spots.

• Filters air pollutants.

It also helps counter nature-deficit disorder (a term from the Richard Louve book, Last Child in the Woods) the health and wellbeing costs of children’s reduced contact with nature and plant blindness , the tendency to overlook plants in our surroundings, diminishing our connection to the natural world. As The Nature Fix shows, even small doses of nature can improve mood, cognition, and resilience. Playful planting is a simple, powerful way to deliver those benefits daily.

Sustainability in Design

While the US study didn’t focus on sustainability, UK 2025 practice must. For us, sustainable play design means:

• Re-using and upcycling play equipment where possible.

• Sourcing local materials and commissioning local craftspeople to reduce carbon and support the local economy.

• Designing for durability, easy maintenance, and minimal environmental impact.

In our projects, these choices not only reduce the footprint but also make each space feel more of its place — rooted in local identity and craft.

Amenities and Access

In the US data:

• Restrooms (toilets): +44% users, +48% longer stays.

• Picnic tables: +9% users each.

• Secluded seating for breastfeeding and sensory breaks improved inclusion.

Most critically, location mattered most:

• Living within ½ mile = 5× more likely to visit weekly.

• Walking/cycling = 6× more likely to be a regular visitor.

• Every extra 10,000 residents within half a mile = +60% visitors, +47.7% MVPA.

With only 20% of US homes meeting that proximity, the lesson for UK planners is clear: site play spaces close to where people live.

Why This Matters for the UK

Reports like Everything to Play For from the Centre for Young Lives highlight the urgent need for high-quality play in UK communities, especially in areas of deprivation. The US evidence strengthens the case: innovative, inclusive, biodiverse, and sustainable designs can deliver measurable improvements in health, social connection, and environmental resilience.

Final Thought

Every swing, tree, climbing net, and planted border is an opportunity, not just for play, but for better health, stronger communities, and a deeper connection to nature. The National Study of Playgrounds shows what’s possible. Our role in the UK is to take that evidence, add our own expertise in inclusion, playful planting, and sustainability, and create spaces that don’t just meet the moment, but shape a better future for the next generation.

Can landscape help create healthy places?

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:53:18 GMT

How well-designed green spaces can improve health, tackle inequalities, and deliver lasting social value

The connection between the places we design and the health of the people who use them has never been more important. Landscape architects are uniquely placed to address some of today’s biggest public health challenges from the rise in obesity to the pressures of an ageing population and the mental health crisis, by creating spaces that actively support wellbeing.

When responsibility for public health in England moved from the NHS to local authorities in 2013, it opened new opportunities to integrate health into planning and placemaking. The Landscape Institute asked the key question: can landscape help create healthy places?
Today, both research and real-world case studies give a clear answer: yes.

Evidence Past and Present

Over a century ago, naturalist W.H. Hudson described London’s green parks as “our best medicine.” In the past three decades, science has caught up:

Professor Jules Pretty’s green exercise studies at the University of Essex confirm the importance of nature for both physical and mental health.
A Dutch study found fewer health complaints among people living near green space.
Research shows that hospital patients with views of greenery can recover more quickly from surgery.

At Davies White, we have seen this first-hand. Our work with NHS Trusts has transformed underused spaces into nature play gardens and wellbeing landscapes that calm, restore, and inspire. At St George’s Hospital in London, part-funded by Take That, we created a garden for young patients that has reduced stress and anxiety levels, according to nursing staff. More recently, our NHS Wellbeing Garden at University Hospital Southampton has provided a restorative outdoor space for patients, visitors, and staff — offering moments of peace and connection with nature within a busy hospital setting. Both demonstrate how thoughtful landscape design can directly contribute to recovery and resilience. Pictured above, Sarah Price’s beautifully designed Maggie’s Centre garden at UHS Southampton, a tranquil sanctuary for people living with cancer and their families. Its naturalistic planting, meandering paths, and secluded seating areas create a calm, restorative escape within the hospital grounds.

Designing for Mental Wellbeing

Mental health charity MIND promotes ecotherapy as a clinically valid treatment for mental distress. This thinking informed projects such as the secure gardens at Wandsworth Recovery Centre, giving adults with acute mental illness a safe, uplifting space for respite. Swedish researcher Patrick Grahn’s work reinforces this approach, showing that even a short 10-minute walk through a park can significantly reduce stress.

The Five Principles of Healthy Places

The Landscape Institute’s position statement identifies five principles that should guide design:

Improve air, water, and soil quality while helping us adapt to climate change.
Tackle health inequalities and promote healthy lifestyles.
Encourage social interaction and reduce isolation and stress.
Support learning and development through inclusive spaces.
Restore and uplift physical and mental health.

A Healthy Landscape is an Economic Asset

Healthy landscapes bring measurable social and financial benefits. In Motherwell, The Greenlink; a 7km cycleway through some of Scotland’s most deprived neighbourhoods, delivers £7 in social return for every £1 invested. In Dudley, a £4.5m Healthy Community Challenge Fund investment turned five parks into family health hubs, supporting active lifestyles and reducing childhood obesity.

The Case for Action

Local authority budgets for public spaces remain under pressure, but the evidence is clear: a well-designed, well-managed landscape saves money for health and social care, strengthens communities, and improves quality of life.

Landscape is not a luxury; it’s an essential part of our public health system.

In many ways, as Hudson suggested, it remains our best medicine .

Davies White were this years key note speakers - Future of Children’s Spaces

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:28:13 GMT

Davies White spoke at the ‘Shade the UK Conference’ – Shaping the Future of Children’s Spaces

Davies White Ltd Directors Andrée Davies and Adam White were key note speakers at this years Shade the UK conference, hosted in partnership with the Built Environment Trust, on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. The free, one-day event brought together experts to discuss a critical issue: children’s health and wellbeing in a changing climate.

Why This Matters

Shaded, climate-resilient outdoor spaces are essential for children’s play, social interaction, and wellbeing. Our award-winning projects, including Crow Wood Playscape and the Caudwell Children’s Wild Garden , integrate shade, water play, and nature to create safer environments.

However, across the UK, many playgrounds, schoolyards, and public spaces become dangerously hot in summer. Unshaded play equipment can reach 50°C on a 30°C day—hot enough to cause burns. With one in eight UK children lacking gardens or balconies at home, they rely on public spaces to play. These must be safe and accessible.

The Bigger Picture

A Mayor of London study found 93% of schools struggle with overheating, affecting learning and wellbeing. In summer 2022, heatwaves closed schools for 33 days, causing 22,000 lost learning days. Schools and playgrounds must be designed to withstand rising temperatures using shade, smart planting, and cooling features.

What did delegates experience:

• Expert Presentations & Panels on Play, Education, Health, and Sustainable Design.

• Facilitated Discussions & Networking to explore practical solutions.

Our Commitment

By the end of the conference a clear set of actions were established and then circulated to the delegates all aiming to keep children’s spaces cool, safe, and climate-resilient.

This event was part of the ‘Shade the UK’ exhibition and took place (20 March – 24 April 2025) at the Building Centre.

More info: Building Centre Conference Info

Designing Better Futures

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:47:50 GMT

Insights from the 2024 Landscape Institutes 'Jellicoe Lecture' on Making Places Fit for Living held at ARUP in London.

This year’s Landscape Institute Annual Jellicoe Lecture, held at Arup in London, explored the theme "Making Places Fit for Living."

The evening kicked off with an introduction from President Carolin Göhler and was chaired by Noel Farrar. The talk sparked a lively discussion about the connection between housing and landscape, and how we can design spaces that really work for people.

Speakers included Tim Slaney (South Downs National Park Authority), who discussed landscape-led planning for sustainable growth; Frazer Osment (LDA Design), who highlighted masterplanning’s role in creating resilient, functional places; and Harriet Bourne (BBUK Studio), who emphasised the importance of working more closely with communities and developers to create well-designed external spaces as part of new developments.

Speakers were joined on the stage by Ian Phillips CMLI, Carolyn Göhler and Noel Farrer for an engaging panel discussion.

Highlights for me were hearing about Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire. Waterbeach, a project by LDA, and is a large scale plan to create a lively and sustainable new community. With a focus on green spaces, transport links, and a mix of housing. It was interesting to hear and see how the development aims to offer a comfortable and eco-friendly place to live, work, and connect with nature.

I loved the quote Ian Philips recalled from a past IFLA World Congress: “Landscape professionals solving problems you didn't know you had in ways you can't understand”. CEO Robert Hughes wrapped up the event by thanking both the speakers and attendees for contributing to a successful and engaging evening.

He expressed his appreciation to Mike Wood and the team at ARUP for hosting, as well as to the Landscape Institute team for their behind-the-scenes efforts. Rob also offered a sneak peek at what’s in store for the Landscape Institute in 2025, including a series of webinars scheduled throughout the year. After the event, there was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones over a couple of drinks, continuing the conversation at the Queen Charlotte Pub on Googe Street.

Playful Planting: Nature's Playground

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:28:14 GMT

For the past 20 years, we have designed and managed the creation of over 50 nature-inspired gardens and play spaces for children. Our main ambition has always been to reconnect families with nature through play.

Engaging Stakeholders in Playful Design

As part of our process, we run hands-on engagement workshops to involve all stakeholders. We find adults often struggle to find their inner child, assuming what children want rather than what they need. To overcome this, we encourage the older stakeholder to recall their own childhood green spaces, often those memorable places filled with trees, plants, water, wildlife, and a sense of adventure. No matter where we’ve run this exercise be that in Japan, Russia, Norway, France, Germany, the USA, South Africa, Australia, or across the UK; the most vivid memories always involve time spent in nature. And at the heart of these experiences? Plants.

Why Plants Matter in Play Spaces

Plants (trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, etc.) are vital in children’s environments. They offer resilience, biodiversity, and, most importantly, play value. Yet, they are often overlooked in favour of static play equipment.

When integrated thoughtfully, plants can be:

• Play settings in themselves

• Extensions of play equipment

• Sensory experiences stimulating touch, sight, taste, smell, and sound

• Spaces for exploration, creativity, and learning

Roger Ulrich is an architect known for his research into the benefits of nature on human health. His most notable discovery is that views of nature can significantly reduce stress, enhance recovery from illness, and improve overall well-being. His work has influenced landscape design, specifically healthcare setting where promoting nature exposure for better health outcomes.

Plants should be fundamental to all play environments.

They offer:

• Hands-on play: Collecting leaves, climbing trees, making dens

• Risk and adventure: Climbing, balancing, hiding

• Sensory stimulation: Soft textures, rustling sounds, fragrant flowers

• Dynamic play: Unlike fixed equipment, plants grow, change, and evolve

Designing with plants

To maximize their impact, we follow key guidelines:

1. Texture & Form – Mix evergreens with deciduous trees, smooth with rough, thin with thick.

2. Seasonal Change – Include plants that highlight different seasons.

3. Colour & Fragrance – Choose trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers that add variety.

4. Craft & Play – Select plants for weaving, making potions, or culinary activities.

5. Sound & Movement – Use grasses, bamboos, or trees that create sounds in the wind.

Plants as Design Elements

Beyond play, plants shape space, movement, and identity.

Enclosure & Hideaways

Plants create natural boundaries and secret hideouts, offering variety beyond traditional fencing. They soften transitions between indoor and outdoor environments and provide refuge spaces that support social and imaginative play.

Identity & Wayfinding

Distinctive plantings give spaces a sense of place. Flowering plants, specimen trees, or herb gardens create strong visual and sensory identities, helping children form lasting connections with a space.

Movement & Circulation

Plants can guide movement through a space, framing paths, creating tunnels, and shaping playful routes. Whether running, chasing, or strolling, children interact more with spaces enriched by planting.

Climbing & Adventure

Tree climbing is universally loved. Some species provide excellent natural climbing structures. Where suitable, designated climbing trees should be included with appropriate critical fall safety surfacing like wood chips beneath.

Loose Parts & Play Props

Leaves, seeds, petals, and sticks become natural toys. Unlike manufactured play equipment, these organic materials stimulate endless creativity.

Education & Learning Through Plants

Plants provide a living classroom. School grounds and public spaces should integrate:

• Trees for shade and climbing

• Herbs for sensory gardens

• Edible plants for growing and tasting

• Seasonal flowers for observation and study

Accessibility & Inclusivity

Thoughtfully designed plant spaces benefit all children, including those with disabilities. Textured pathways, raised planting beds, and sensory gardens make nature accessible to everyone.

Landmarks & Navigation

Trees, large rocks, and water features help children navigate spaces and create a sense of security. Plants provide visual markers, helping young children orient themselves.

Seasonal & Wildlife Benefits

Plants introduce children to seasonal change and natural cycles. Fruit-bearing trees, wildflower meadows, and native shrubs attract wildlife, offering close-up encounters with birds, butterflies, and insects. These interactions foster curiosity and respect for nature.

Climate Resilience & Environmental Quality

Plants modify climate, offering shelter from wind and shade from the sun. Children are more sensitive to heat, so designing with trees that provide dappled shade encourages year-round outdoor play.

Erosion Control & Water Management

Play spaces are often located on marginal land with poor drainage or steep slopes. Vegetation helps manage surface runoff, preventing erosion while recharging local water systems.

Native vs. Non-Native Plants

While native species enhance local biodiversity, some urban conditions may favour hardier non-native species. A balanced mix of native habitats and well-chosen exotics offers resilience and diversity.

Drought Resistance & Sustainability

Selecting drought-tolerant species conserves water and fosters environmental awareness. Children who interact with sustainable landscapes grow up with conservation in mind.

Planning & Managing

Unlike static structures, plants require ongoing care. Thoughtful maintenance ensures play settings remain engaging and safe.

Steps for Planting Success

1. Create a plant list suitable for your area – Identify species suited to play, wildlife, and shade.

2. Evaluate existing vegetation – Retain and enhance what works; remove hazardous plants.

3. Integrate plants into play design – Mix plant settings with manufactured play elements.

4. Involve communities in maintenance – Schools, families, and local groups can help care for play plantings.

Conclusion

Plants are not just aesthetic enhancements; they are essential play elements. They stimulate creativity, support biodiversity, and shape healthier childhood experiences. By designing play spaces that integrate resilient, playful, and engaging plant environments, we create spaces where children can connect with nature, explore, and thrive.

Exploring how plants enhance children’s play spaces, fostering creativity, sensory engagement, and biodiversity while promoting resilience, well-being, and a deeper connection with nature.

20 Years of Co-Design Excellence

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:28:13 GMT

During 2025 Andree and Adam are celebrating 20 Years of Davies White Ltd - A Legacy of Exceptional Lasting Landscape Design

As Davies White Ltd celebrates 20 years of delivering outstanding landscape architecture, we’re proud to reflect on two decades of transforming spaces across the UK. From destination play areas that connect families with nature to urban and rural projects that enhance communities, our work spans diverse sectors, including education, heritage, and stakeholder-led initiatives. This milestone post highlights some of our most celebrated projects, showcasing our commitment to sustainable, creative design that stands the test of time. Here’s to 20 years of innovative, award-winning work and many more to come!

Destination Projects

• IWM Duxford Play Zone, Cambridgeshire – Aviation-inspired play with climbable aircraft, sensory trails, interactive storytelling.

• Crow Wood Adventure Play, Cheshire – Natural timber play, rope bridges, treehouses, inclusive play features.

• Hobbledown Children’s Farm, Surrey – Themed adventure zones, underground tunnels, interactive water play, animal encounters.

• Williams Den Adventure Play, East Yorkshire – Rustic play barns, indoor-outdoor adventure, mud kitchens, natural climbing.

• Earth Trust Nature Play, Oxfordshire – Eco-friendly play, willow structures, natural trails, habitat discovery zones.

• Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Norfolk – Wetland-inspired play, wooden forts, wildlife observation, sensory nature play.

• RSPB Conway, North Wales – Bird-themed play, wooden climbing frames, nature trails, interactive learning.

• RSPB Cray, Essex – Wildlife-themed play, sensory trails, outdoor classrooms, accessible adventure spaces.

• Dalby Forest Adventure Play, North York Moors – Tree canopy trails, climbing towers, natural play installations, woodland experience.

• Culzean Castle Playground, Scotland – Historic-themed play, castle structures, rope bridges, imaginative storytelling elements.

Rural Projects

• Dinton Pastures Country Park, Wokingham – Lakeside play, sandpits, climbing logs, interactive water features.

• Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough – Woodland play, balance beams, rope swings, nature-inspired climbing.

• Commonwealth Games, Cuningar Loop Country Park, Glasgow – Olympic legacy park, climbing boulders, active play, inclusive fitness zones.

• Gosford Forest Play Trail, Northern Ireland – Natural woodland adventure, sculptural play, storytelling spaces, sensory discovery.

• Moel Famau Nature Play Trail, North Wales – Hillside play, nature engagement, accessible trails, interactive wayfinding.

• Moors Valley Country Park, Bournemouth, Dorset – Timber play structures, aerial walkways, nature play installations, outdoor learning.

• Jeskyns Park Country Park, Kent – Fairy woodland, wildflower meadows, sensory play, sustainable landscape design.

Urban Projects

• Memorial Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London – Tranquil green space, reflective gardens, accessible seating, biodiversity enhancements.

• Grosvenor Square Gardens, Mayfair – Elegant landscaping, sustainable planting, community space, urban retreat.

• High Street Social Spaces, Kingston upon Thames – Pocket parks, urban greening, playful interventions, vibrant public realm.

• Memorial Gardens, Kingston upon Thames – Historic commemoration, sensory planting, public gathering, community reflection.

• Eagle Brewery Wharf Pocket Park – Riverside retreat, natural seating, native planting, pedestrian-friendly landscaping.

• King George’s Field Park, Hanwell, London – Sports-focused play, multi-use games areas, active community hub.

• Fortune Street Park, Islington, London – Compact urban play, green oasis, accessible pathways, family-friendly.

• Midsomer Norton Skate Park, North East Somerset – Community-led skate space, concrete ramps, street-style obstacles, active recreation.

• Jubilee Way Skate Park, Kingston, London – Modern skate features, BMX-friendly, youth engagement, creative urban sport.

• Southampton Common Playground, Hampshire – Nature play, inclusive design, sustainable materials, open green play space.

• Ilford, Redbridge, London – Regenerated green space, active play, community gathering, biodiversity enhancement.

• Grove Park MUGA, Brent, London – Multi-use games area, all-weather surface, community sports hub.

• Windmill Youth Park, Kilburn, London – Youth-oriented space, interactive play, dynamic sports zones, green infrastructure.

Heritage Projects

• Hampton Court Magic Garden, Surrey – Tudor-inspired play, secret tunnels, mythical creatures, interactive water features.

• Boscobel House Garden and Playground, Shropshire – Historic storytelling, timber forts, immersive landscapes, royal hideout theme.

• Swiss Cottage, Osborne House Children’s Garden, Isle of Wight – Victorian play garden, interactive elements, heritage planting, imaginative play.

• Wimpole House Parterre Garden, Cambridgeshire – Formal garden restoration, historic planting schemes, sculptural hedging, grand symmetry.

Education Projects

• Earlsfield Primary School, Wandsworth – Outdoor learning, sensory play, green classrooms, interactive nature engagement.

• Villiers Secondary School, Hounslow – Sustainable campus landscaping, biodiversity zones, outdoor teaching spaces, climate resilience.

• Notting Hill Primary School, West London – Compact nature play, interactive learning spaces, urban greening, student involvement.

• Grange Primary School, Bermondsey – Playful landscapes, creative learning, biodiversity-focused planting, active outdoor spaces.

• SEND School, Southampton – Inclusive play, sensory-rich environment, accessible design, therapeutic landscape elements.

Engagement Projects

• Parkinson’s UK - Garden Design Workshop – Therapeutic gardens, user-led design, accessible green spaces, sensory engagement.

• Anglian Water - Resilient Garden Workshop – Sustainable water management, climate-adaptive planting, flood-resilient landscapes, public education.

• Town Centre Regeneration Workshops, Kingston upon Thames – Community-led design, public realm activation, green infrastructure, inclusive placemaking.