News
Look out, sound out & hide out!The Hive's brief for Bournstream was to take a weedy, neglected hillock & to transform it into a series of play or sensory areas - using a locally-sourced range of materials, including some taken directly from our surroundings - linking the children with the wildlife, creating a new space with play possibilities we have never had before. At its summit the hillock has a robust, climbable wigwam tower ( reached by winding pathway or daring stepping-logs ), nearby are hazel & willow sculptures & an archway over the path, then a gently sloping percussive terrace, with sleeper seating & 'instruments', & down below it a secret "nest" or hide-away. The overall feel is of a place to explore, of movement & discoveries, tactile & varied in its materials but also with private, shady, peaceful places too. |
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Its just as exciting as arriving on the beachIts always exciting to add to the Bournstream play 'experience' - with more vehicles or swings or things to climb - providing more fun, surprises & "safe adventure." This new season is no exception - thanks to generous support from a number of Wotton community groups but also a one-off grant from the Starfish Trust. There are a range of new seats - from sensible benches to giant, colourful beanbags - a climbing wall in the sand pit & plans for two, horse-tyre swings to ride. In addition there will be another pathway circuit created - to encourage mobility, exploration & independence, as well as speed!
Also (at the very top of the playsite) we are building a wooden wildlife hide - to safely overlook the pond above, which is the source of
the natural spring which feeds water down through the water play area.
Barbara Saxton, our Founder, had an abiding love of the natural world - planting trees & hedgerows, feeding the birds, watching for the swallows
return & nurturing all the wildlife in & around her 'secret' pond. New disabled facilitiesOur changing facilities, in the toilet house, now include a changing platform, operated/raised by foot pump. We now also have a 'rockerski' base for wheelchairs to rock on - & two giant all-weather beanbags, to take anywhere you like, to get children out of their chairs but well supported & safe. |
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Spring Newsletter |
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I find it very difficult to go to local parks or playgrounds with the boys when I'm on my own.
I was overjoyed at finding at finding Bournstream to be able to take them out - they now have somewhere special to go & all the children can be them selves.
