Parks and Open Spaces

It's Okay to Play

You can find up-to-date information about the It's Okay to Play project on the Forestry Commission website

It's Okay to Play

All four of the woodland play sites are open! Suitable for children and young people of all ages, there is a huge oak tree house, wooden playhouses, wigwams, sand pit, climbing wall, bridge and shingle stream.

Unlike traditional playgrounds, trees from the forest feature along with rocks, grassy mounds and hedges to hide behind or explore. Designed to attract local families to the woods, they are all free of charge (some parking charges may apply) and provides a way to encourage children to take an interest in the wider woodland environment.

The natural playgrounds are part of the Big Lottery Funded, It's Okay to Play project set up in partnership between Winchester City Council and the Forestry Commission.

It's Okay to Play is dedicated to provide children of all ages with more opportunities for adventure, to explore risk and challenge. Play in woodlands, trees and natural green spaces also promotes health and wellbeing, knowledge and understanding, creativity and capacity to learn and so is essential to the council's planning strategy.

Keep checking this page for news of holiday activities.

Please contact SarahKate Abercrombie or Nicola Lawrence at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 497 or email SAbercrombie@winchester.gov.uk or NLawrence@winchester.gov.uk