Our Vision Brought to Life
Our NaturEscape design has been developed based on extensive community consultation and expert input from landscape designer Laura Burt. It embraces natural play principles while creating a biodiverse environment that works for our community.
The aim of our Iffley Fields NaturEscape is to:
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​Create discovery journeys through new pathways
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Fill the space with planting for colour, joy, playfulness & nourishment.
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Encourage biodiversity with a a pond (covered with a chidlsafe grid), rainwater harvesting, native hedging, and insect-friendly planting.
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Be stewarded by programmes to support communication, mental wellbeing, healing and relaxation.
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Be accessible to all and supporting all age ranges and our culturally diverse community.
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Community Engagement through:
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Learning together and skills share – e.g. about species living in the garden, medicinal and edible wild plants
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Social occasions and cultivating relationships through fire circles, singing, and seasonal festivals.
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Stewardship through working parties to take care of the site, nature and share feasts together.
Design Overview
The design maintains all existing play equipment while enhancing the space with natural elements. It divides the playground into distinct but connected zones, each offering different experiences and opportunities for play, social interaction, and engagement with nature.
Key Features
Pond Area
The pond creates valuable habitat for wildlife while offering children the chance to observe aquatic creatures and understand water ecosystems.
Central Seating Hub
​This central space provides a gathering point and resting area with views across the playground.
Log Circle & Amphitheatre
This space is designed for group activities, performances, and community gatherings.
Sandpit Enhancement
Improvements to the existing sandpit for ​better integration with surrounding spaces.
Natural Mounds & Terrain
Creating varied topography which creates natural play challenges and visual interest, and improves drainage and creates microhabitats
Sensory Garden & Sound Area
A space for sensory exploration designed to be accessible to children of all abilities.
Path Network
Connecting the spaces, each path leads to a destination. Designed to be accessible while feeling natural
