Business Details
Expert Landscaping & Outdoor Learning Spaces
Creative Outdoors has been dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant, functional environments that benefit both people and wildlife. Our expertise lies in collaborating with private landowners, schools, and community groups to create natural spaces that inspire learning and foster environmental stewardship. Through hands-on projects, we empower children to develop practical skills, from using hand tools to team collaboration, while integrating curriculum-based learning into outdoor settings. Our approach prioritises sustainability and creativity, ensuring each project reflects the unique needs of its users. With a strong focus on educational settings, we have supported over 30 schools in developing sensory gardens, memorial spaces, and active outdoor areas.Our work extends beyond physical transformation, cultivating pride and responsibility in communities through ownership of their spaces. John Blithe, our lead practitioner, brings a calm, structured methodology that engages diverse groups, from young children to disaffected students. Testimonials highlight the positive impact on pupils' confidence and communication, underscoring our commitment to meaningful, lasting change. We specialise in hedge laying, woodland management, and living willow features, blending traditional techniques with modern educational goals. Our reputation for excellence is evidenced by long waiting lists and sustained partnerships with organisations like the Tonbridge & West Kent School Sports Partnership.
Services
Hedge Laying
Garden Design
Living Willow Features
Woodland Management
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Highlights and features
- We specialise in educational outdoor projects for schools and communities
- Our team develops practical skills and environmental awareness in children
- Proven success working with diverse age groups and abilities
- Projects integrate curriculum learning with hands-on outdoor activities
- Recognised by the Tonbridge & West Kent School Sports Partnership
What people say
Children had a great week
Loved the experience
Excellent effects on self-esteem
Thoroughly enjoyed the work
Smiling faces of pupils
Services
Hedge Laying
Traditional hedge laying techniques create living boundaries that support biodiversity while teaching practical conservation skills. Projects combine environmental benefits with hands-on learning for all ages. Ideal for schools and community groups seeking sustainable land management solutions.
Garden Design
Tailored garden designs transform outdoor spaces into functional learning environments. We specialise in sensory gardens, vegetable plots, and quiet areas that integrate curriculum objectives with natural play. Each design encourages student ownership and long-term stewardship.
Living Willow Features
Constructing willow tunnels, domes, and sculptures creates engaging play spaces that evolve with the seasons. These projects teach plant biology while providing tactile, creative experiences for children. Structures become permanent, interactive elements in school grounds.
Woodland Management
Sustainable woodland management projects teach ecological principles through practical tasks like coppicing and trail creation. We help schools develop safe, educational forest spaces that support local wildlife and outdoor curriculum delivery.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Designing dedicated learning areas with raised beds, minibeast habitats, and outdoor chalkboards. These spaces facilitate cross-subject teaching while promoting physical activity and environmental awareness. Projects often include student-led planning and budgeting exercises.
People
John Blithe
Founder
John has over 15 years' experience delivering outdoor education projects across the UK. His patient, structured approach engages pupils of all abilities, from early years to sixth form. He specialises in transforming school grounds into dynamic learning environments.
Questions
What age groups do you work with?
We work with children aged 5-18, including those with special educational needs and disaffected learners.
How do projects integrate with school curricula?
Our projects incorporate science, maths, and teamwork skills through practical tasks like budgeting, measuring, and ecological studies.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across Hampshire, Surrey, and West Kent, with partnerships extending throughout the South East.
How long do typical projects last?
Projects usually run for one to two weeks, including planning, implementation, and review stages.
Do you provide follow-up support?
Yes, we offer guidance for maintaining outdoor spaces and integrating them into ongoing teaching.
