Risky play in a safe world at Knightshayes

A new children’s play area at Knightshayes Court will be officially opened on Saturday 22 October in time for half-term.

Injecting new life into four fallen oak trees, the installation includes a tree house as well as tunnels bored into the trunks of the huge trees.

For 150 years, the cluster of fast-growing turkey oaks towered over the gentle, rolling landscape at Knightshayes; until the high winds of winter 2014 resulted in all four blowing over. Three came down in just one night, casualties of a storm which caused over 100 trees to fall across the estate, the greatest loss since 1987. Since then, the trees have become a magnet for local families, whose children have been climbing the fallen limbs and exploring their roots.

The team at Knightshayes were quick to see the opportunity to create a wild play area, which would continue to allow families to enjoy the trees for a good many years to come. Touchwood, a company specialising in natural play, were commissioned to come up with a design. Senior Ranger Raef Johnson explains:

‘The National Trust has been encouraging families back outdoors with their ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ campaign; and we saw these amazing trees as a great opportunity for children to get up close and personal with nature, play freely, make their own choices and naturally take risks. It’s an important part of their development; however, in this way, they can do it safely.’

The play area is in a part of the estate that is free to access. The parkland is heavily used by the local community, from dog walkers and runners to local scout groups, and it is hoped the play area will encourage even more families to visit Knightshayes and take advantage of the community-focused event programme.