Wild Wood – Natural Play in Guisborough Forest and walkway

The concept behind the play area at Guisborough Forest and Walkway is to create a natural environment for children to explore and use their imagination. Much research has been done recently on the value of natural play as opposed to modern fixed play furniture.
The play area uses natural willow tunnels and sculptures, rock and stone stepping stones, pipe tunnels, natural mounds and other natural features. The area will also have a ‘minibeast’ corner with interpretation about how to hunt for minibeasts and what you might find to add an educational and discovery aspect to the area.
Children from local schools, extended schools groups and youth groups will be involved in the planting, and the installation of elements of the play area for example helping to create the willow tunnels and creating clay faces for the trees. This will give the children a sense of ownership.