Safe playground fencing for Children’s Hospice

Solution

The Gathering Heart Garden was made possible by Greenfingers Charity, a national organisation dedicated to creating therapeutic gardens for life-limited children in hospices across the UK. Their support enabled the hospice to reimagine its outdoor space, bringing together a team of expert collaborators to deliver the project with care and creativity.

CW Studio, a Manchester based landscape architecture practice, led the design. Their brief was to create a garden that would stimulate the senses, encourage movement and offer quiet zones for reflection. The design includes inclusive play equipment such as accessible swings, a slide, musical play posts, and a sensory tunnel. Colourful rubber surfacing defines key play areas and provides a safe, durable base for exploration. Planting has been carefully selected to introduce seasonal change, fragrance, and texture, with wildflowers and grasses softening the space and inviting gentle engagement.

Landstruction, a Cheshire-based landscaping company, were appointed to deliver the project. Their team began by removing the existing playground equipment and preparing the site for redevelopment. The ground was relevelled to create accessible levels, and vibrant surfacing was laid to define zones and ensure safety. Every detail was considered; from the layout of play features to the flow of movement through the garden.

To ensure the space was secure and child-friendly, CW Studio specified Jacksons’ Metal Playtime® fencing, a robust and visually sympathetic solution that meets the highest standards for safe playground fencing.

Why Metal Playtime fencing was the right choice

Jacksons’ Metal Playtime fencing was chosen for its exceptional safety credentials and suitability for therapeutic play environments. Designed specifically for playgrounds, it is fully compliant with BS EN 1176 standards for playground equipment and approved by RoSPA, offering peace of mind for hospice staff and families alike.

The fencing features anti-trap pale spacing to prevent head and limb entrapment, a flat top, and no sharp or protruding edges, supporting safe exploration for children of all ages and abilities. Its galvanised and powder coated green finish blends naturally with the garden’s planting, creating a soft visual boundary that feels welcoming rather than institutional. Matching gates and fixings ensure seamless integration with the garden’s layout, supporting accessibility and ease of movement.

Durability was also a key consideration. With robust tubular construction and a premium finish, it is ideal for hospice settings where longevity and low maintenance are essential. With a 25 year Service Life Guarantee, it will provide long term value for decades. In a space where safety, comfort, and emotional wellbeing are paramount, Metal Playtime fencing provides a safe perimeter without compromising on aesthetics or inclusivity.

The Gathering Heart Garden was officially opened on 30th September 2025, with families, children and supporters invited to celebrate its completion. Andy Goldsmith, CEO of Hope House Children’s Hospice, shared:

“The Gathering Heart Garden is far more than a garden – it is a sanctuary of play, laughter, and peace where families can create lasting memories together, even in the most difficult of times.”

From the inclusive play equipment to the gentle planting and safe playground fencing, every element of the garden supports Hope House’s mission: to provide comfort, joy and connection for life-limited children and their families.