Outdoor Area and Woodland Play Refresh at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School, Hertfordshire


Holy Rood Catholic Primary School in Hertfordshire approached ESP Play to breathe new life into two key areas of their outdoor space.
Location: Hertfordshire
Overview
The project focused on replacing an old and slippery wetpour surface with a fresh, natural-looking artificial grass area, while also improving access to the school with a new block paving pathway.
Alongside the surfacing improvements, the school wanted to rejuvenate its existing woodland area, replacing tired and outdated equipment with new opportunities for physical challenge and imaginative play.
With a budget of £24,000, the project was designed to deliver a significant transformation while making the most of the school’s existing outdoor spaces.
The Brief
The school wanted to:
- Replace the old, slippery wetpour surface
- Introduce a new, natural-looking artificial grass surface
- Create a block paving pathway from the entrance gates to the main school entrance
- Refresh the existing woodland play area
- Replace tired equipment with new trim trail challenges
- Introduce a woodland hut to encourage imaginative and social play
- Deliver the works efficiently and with minimal disruption to the school
Our Solution
New Artificial Grass Area
The existing wetpour had become tired and slippery, so we replaced it with new artificial grass, creating a fresh, natural-looking surface that significantly improved the appearance of the area.
The new surface provides a clean and attractive finish while creating a more welcoming outdoor environment for pupils.
New Entrance Pathway
To improve the route into the school, we installed a block paving pathway leading from the gates through to the main entrance.
The new pathway creates a clear and practical pedestrian route while complementing the newly landscaped playground area.
Woodland Area Transformation
The school’s existing woodland area was also given a complete refresh.
The tired equipment was removed and replaced with a selection of new trim trail elements, creating a range of physical challenges that encourage pupils to climb, balance, navigate and develop coordination.
A new woodland hut was also introduced, providing a dedicated space for imaginative play, social interaction and quieter activities.
The combination of active trim trail equipment and the woodland hut creates a varied play environment that makes better use of the school’s natural setting.
Installation
The complete project was delivered within five days.
Careful planning and efficient project management allowed the works to be completed quickly, minimising disruption to the school while delivering a significant transformation across both areas.
The Result
The completed project has transformed tired and underused areas of the school into fresh, functional and engaging outdoor spaces.
The new artificial grass and block paving have improved the appearance and usability of the main area, while the refreshed woodland zone now provides pupils with opportunities for physical challenge, exploration and imaginative play.
The project demonstrates how a relatively modest budget can be used effectively to make a significant difference to a school’s outdoor environment.
Project Summary
- Client: Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
- Location: Hertfordshire
- Budget: £24,000
- Installation: 5 days
- Key Features: Artificial grass, block paving pathway, trim trail equipment and woodland hut
- Main Focus: Surfacing improvements, physical challenge, imaginative play and improved access
- Outcome: A complete refresh of the main outdoor area and woodland play space



















