Relandscaping of a Nursery Playground
An outstanding design for a Somerset Nursery School in Battersea
The newly installed nursery playground in Battersea, London, designed by Robert Sergent- Fairley of School Playground Designers, transforms a previously hard, asphalt-dominated space into a vibrant, sustainable outdoor learning environment.
Quote from the Head Teacher
“We are absolutely delighted with the transformation of our outdoor space. The children are now inspired to explore, learn and play in ways we never imagined possible.
The attention to detail, sustainability and natural elements have created a truly magical environment for our nursery — one that supports both their curiosity and wellbeing.”
The project, themed as an “Exciting Outdoor Living and Learning Area,” emphasizes natural play, creativity, and environmental stewardship, offering children a lush nursery play oasis filled with secret corners, shaded areas, and interactive landscapes.
In Brief
- Designer: Robert Sergent- Fairley, School Playground Designers
- Location: Battersea, London – a sustainable nursery play oasis
- Features: secret play areas, sensory planting, vegetable & fruit gardens
- Hand-built with recycled materials and sustainable timber
- Praised by OFSTED as a unique, imaginative children’s paradise
Central to the design are the soothing sensory planting areas, featuring a mix of ornamental seasonal trees, fruit trees, and nursery-grown plants, alongside vegetable and fruit gardens that encourage hands-on learning.
The design process prioritized input from the nursery’s head and, importantly, the children themselves, who contributed imaginative drawings of their ideal playground. These ideas were integrated into a permacultural and sustainable garden that seamlessly blends play and nature.
The playground includes a “Magical Fantasy Nursery Pathway,” a mosaic water feature, and a variety of natural play elements. Except for the slide, all features were hand-constructed on site using recycled materials and timber from sustainable sources.
The planting scheme was carefully curated to provide year-round interest, including a central olive tree, a tree fern with surrounding tropical evergreens, and sensory planting in raised timber planters. Seating areas were strategically placed throughout, including a tree seat encircling a large, mature acacia, offering comfort for children and visitors alike.
Quotes From Parents
“Every day my child comes home excited to tell me about a new part of the playground they explored. It’s not just a place to play—it’s sparked their imagination in ways I’ve never seen before.”
“As a parent, it’s wonderful to see such a thoughtful balance between adventure and safety. The natural elements and creative spaces designed by Robert Sergent-Fairley really make this feel like a unique environment where children can thrive.”
“The variety is incredible—from climbing and building confidence to gardening and sensory play. School Playground Designers have created something truly special that supports both learning and fun in equal measure.”
The project has received unanimous praise from OFSTED inspectors, who described the garden as “delightful, unique, highly imaginative, and a sustainable children’s paradise,” recognizing it as a pioneering example in the UK.
By merging creativity, sustainability, and interactive play, Robert Sergent- Fairley’s nursery playground sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious, child-centered design, offering a space where learning, exploration, and imagination thrive in harmony with nature.