Designing multi-functional outdoor spaces through the power of Play Trees

Outdoor spaces are increasingly expected to do more than simply look good. They must invite interaction, support wellbeing, encourage movement and foster connection across generations. In schools, parks, housing developments and public areas, the emphasis has moved towards introducing a degree of risk into play, so that children are exposed to it and learn to better able to assess the challenges. UK health guidance from NICE and RoSPA explicitly notes that exposure to a degree of challenge helps children develop physically and emotionally and that children learn through balancing risk and safety. Within this context, natural play elements such as Play Trees and Play Logs are proving to be powerful catalysts for creating multi-functional outdoor environments that people instinctively respond to writes Pete Thomas at Ruskins, the tree and soil specialists.

It is important to be clear that Play Trees & Play Logs are not about design in the conventional sense. They are not imposed concepts, rigid layouts or manufactured play equipment with a predefined way of being used. Instead, they are carefully selected and placed natural forms that allow a space to evolve organically through use. Their value lies not in how they are drawn on a plan, but in how people interact with them once they are in the landscape.

Time and again, natural play areas demonstrate a deeper and more immediate appeal than traditional playgrounds. Where brightly coloured equipment can feel visually intrusive or overly prescriptive, Play Trees blend effortlessly into their surroundings. They enhance the aesthetic of a space rather than dominating it, creating environments that feel calmer, richer and more inviting for everyone, not just children. Drawing everyone closer to nature.

One of the most striking observations when introducing Play Trees into an outdoor space is the instinctive physical response they provoke. People touch them. Children climb, balance, swing and explore, while adults run their hands across the bark, sit on logs or lean against trunks without even realising they are doing it. This tactile engagement is rarely seen with conventional play equipment, yet it happens almost automatically around natural timber forms.

A simple explanation

There is a simple explanation for this response and it lies deep within human behaviour. The reaction is often accompanied by an unmistakable smile, a moment of joy that feels spontaneous and unguarded. It has been described as a “Cheshire Cat grin”, appearing without conscious effort. This is not accidental. Humans evolved as forest-dwelling primates and our brains are hard-wired to recognise and respond positively to natural environments. When people encounter Play Trees, something familiar is triggered, a quiet reminder of our evolutionary roots that invites curiosity, comfort and play.

For children, this connection is particularly powerful. Natural play does not tell them what to do or how to do it. There are no rules etched into the structure, no single way to climb, balance or interact. A fallen trunk can become a bridge, a den, a pirate ship or a place to sit and talk, depending on the moment. This open-ended quality supports imagination, problem-solving and physical development in a way that fixed equipment rarely achieves.

At the same time, these spaces function on multiple levels. A Play Tree might serve as a climbing challenge for one child, a quiet refuge for another and an informal seating area for adults. It can define space without fencing, encourage movement without instruction and create social interaction without programming. This is the essence of multi-functional outdoor space, with elements that adapt to users rather than users adapting to the element.

Adding to the landscape

From an aesthetic perspective, Play Trees & Play Logs  contribute to landscapes that feel more authentic and timeless. Timber weathers naturally, developing texture, colour and character over time rather than fading or deteriorating visually. This process reinforces the sense that the space belongs to its setting, whether that is a woodland edge, a school playground or a residential green. As seasons change, so too does the experience of the space, offering variety and interest without any need for intervention.

Crucially, natural play elements also help spaces feel inclusive. Traditional playgrounds often cater primarily to specific age groups and abilities, inadvertently excluding others. In contrast, Play Trees do not announce themselves as “play equipment”. They are simply part of the landscape. This subtlety removes psychological barriers, making it easier for people of all ages and confidence levels to engage in ways that feel comfortable to them.

There is also a social dimension to these environments that should not be underestimated. When people gather around natural features, interactions tend to feel more relaxed and less structured. Conversations happen more easily. Children play together without strict rules, while adults linger rather than supervising from a distance. The space becomes a shared experience rather than a series of designated zones.

Supporting wellbeing

Importantly, Play Trees support wellbeing beyond physical activity. Exposure to natural materials has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and encourage longer dwell times in outdoor environments. Even brief contact, such as touching bark or sitting on a log, can have a grounding effect. In an increasingly urbanised and screen-dominated world, these moments of connection are both rare and valuable.

While Play Trees are simple in concept, their impact is profound precisely because they do not try too hard. They do not dictate behaviour or compete for attention. Instead, they invite engagement through form, texture and presence. Their success lies in allowing nature to do what it has always done best - to draw people in, spark curiosity and encourage interaction without instruction.

Designing multi-functional outdoor spaces, therefore, is not always about adding more features or more complexity. Sometimes it is about understanding human instinct and providing the right conditions for it to surface. Play Trees and Play Logs achieve this quietly and effectively, creating environments that are playful, social, calming and visually rich all at once.

In the end, the enduring appeal of Play Trees & Play Logs reminds us that the most successful outdoor spaces are those that feel natural, not manufactured. When people instinctively reach out, smile and engage without being told to do so, the space is already working. It is a simple idea rooted in something ancient, and that is precisely why it continues to resonate so strongly today.