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About us
We are based in ÅŒtautahi - Christchurch. We work mainly with preschools, home-educators, schools and others who are based in Canterbury but have occasionally traveled or consulted further afield.
Our why
Inspired by childhood memories of building huts, climbing trees, and playing in nature, we are passionate about helping to create spaces where children can build their own memories of outdoor adventures.
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Nature-rich spaces offer a diverse environment to play, observe and refresh. They provide the opportunity for children to connect with their local environment and notice seasonal changes. Children love turning over logs and rocks and studying what’s living there, which develops young scientists and helps build empathy for smaller creatures and other people.
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These spaces provide an abundance of loose parts—leaves, flowers, sticks, seed pods, soil, sand and water—that invite exploration and provide rich sensory experiences. Logs, rocks, small hills, and pebbled paths provide different levels and textures, helping to build children’s balance, coordination, muscle development and more.
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A diverse environment allows children to follow their own interests and play in a way that suits their development stage. Research shows that exposure to nature-rich spaces is good for our mental and physical health, as well as our children’s development.
Who we are
We are Emma and Belinda, and we met through Playcentre 14 years ago. A shared passion for play, child development, and natural playgrounds led to a lasting friendship and a working partnership. We pride ourselves on listening to clients and observing how a playspace is being used before suggesting ways it could be improved. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in play, plants, child development, playground design, use, and maintenance.
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Emma has a Bachelor of Education, a Masters in Urban Resilience and Renewal, and a Certificate in Organic Horticulture. She is also an RPII RoSPA Certified Operational playground inspector.
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We are passionate about creating spaces that are not only great for play but will also provide the best start possible for the next generation. Developing a connection with and love of their local environment, when they’re younger, will hopefully empower our children to love and care for nature on a more global scale as they grow older.
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We would love to hear about your project and how we can assist you.
