Playgrounds are a huge part of childhood, and lately, there’s been a big shift toward using natural materials—especially timber. This isn’t just a passing trend. More and more people are realising that natural play spaces help kids grow, spark creativity and foster a deeper connection with nature. Architects, councils and educators, in fact pretty much everybody, now see timber playground equipment as more than just a sustainable option—it’s a key ingredient in modern playground design. “TouchWood is biased”, you might say… We did a poll of 20 of our chainsaw operators in our woodyard, and can confirm it’s true!
Everyone at TouchWood Play is about creating unique, high-quality natural playgrounds. We design, build, install and maintain beautiful timber play equipment that’s built to last. Our goal? To craft play spaces that aren’t just fun but also safe, inspiring and perfectly blended with nature. In this article, we’ll break down why timber is the go-to material for playgrounds that truly stand out.
One of the biggest perks of timber is how effortlessly it blends into natural surroundings. Unlike metal or plastic, wood feels warm, inviting and calming—making play areas more immersive. The texture of timber also adds to the sensory experience, encouraging kids to interact with nature as they play. Our designers often mix wood with live willow, creating shaded spots for quiet moments or stunning natural accents that grow up the side of play structures.
High-quality timber is incredibly durable—even without chemical treatments. We source our hardwoods (like oak and sweet chestnut) from naturally fallen trees within 50 miles of Bristol whenever possible, ensuring our materials are sustainable. For structural elements, we use Robinia roundwood, a super tough timber known for resisting rot and lasting 15 to 25 years in the ground. That means our playgrounds can handle years of play, no matter the weather or how many kids climb all over them.
Unlike metal, which can get scorching hot in the summer and freezing cold in winter, timber maintains a comfortable temperature year-round. It’s also naturally slip-resistant—even when wet—and absorbs impact better than harder surfaces, helping to reduce injuries. Safety is at the heart of everything we do. We thoroughly inspect all materials before construction, oversee every step of the build process, and put each playground through rigorous safety checks before signing them off. Every one of our playgrounds is fully inspected by ROSPA Play Safety to ensure it meets top safety standards.
Timber play equipment encourages open-ended play, meaning kids can create their own adventures instead of following a rigid design. Whether it’s climbing towers, balancing on logs, or exploring wooden trails, timber playgrounds give kids the freedom to problem-solve, move and explore in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Timber is one of the most versatile playground materials out there. The bespoke nature of TouchWood Play’s designs means that we work closely with clients to design one-of-a-kind play spaces that match their vision and needs. Timber can be carved, shaped, painted and adapted to fit any theme, age group or environment. Some of our recent standout projects include:
• A giant wooden dragon at Leonardslee Gardens in West Sussex
• A 9m-high ‘Tree of Life’ at the Eden Project in Cornwall
• An entire Viking-themed village at Festyland amusement park in Normandy, France
The growing popularity of timber playgrounds isn’t just about looks—it’s about sustainability, durability, safety and play value. TouchWood Play’s passion for creating stunning, long-lasting and adventure-filled playgrounds has the ability to bring communities together and connect kids with nature. Choosing timber means building playgrounds that aren’t just fun today but will continue to inspire for years to come.
We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about how we work, or offer advice on how best to successfully deliver your project.
