We are excited to announce the second of our one-day symposiums at The Serge Hill Project: A Safe Green Space: Nature and Play.

Taking place on Wednesday 18 June 2025 in The Apple House eco barn, this event explores a topic at the heart of The Serge Hill Project's mission; the transformative relationship between nature, gardens, creativity, wellbeing and play.

Designed for outdoor educators, playworkers, health professionals, teachers, horticultural therapists, gardeners, garden designers and anyone passionate about the intersection of nature and wellbeing, this symposium will uncover the profound connection between nature and play. 

With an inspiring line up of speakers -from playworkers to psychotherapists to artists- this symposium will delve deep into the impact nature play has on our development, creativity and wellbeing, explore why it matters, examine how our innate sense of play can fade and discuss ways to put nature play back into the centre of children's, and adults’, daily lives. Join us to hear from a distinguished group of experts, including:

• Caroline Essame, Founder of Developmental Play and author of Why Play Matters and Why Nature Matters
• Emma Spencer, Informal Learning Manager at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
• Dr. Sue Stuart-Smith, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist and author of The Well Gardened Mind
• Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, Artist and Founder of The Gardening Drawing Club
• Penny Wilson, Playworker at Assemble Play and author of Play Works
• Mia Witham, Swedish Landscape and Garden Designer

With more names to be announced. Your ticket includes refreshments, a delicious vegetarian lunch and an experiential activity. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore The Plant Library of over 1500 perennials and bulbs, hear from Millie Souter our Head Gardener, and visit Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith’s private Barn Garden. Tickets are limited, so book soon to avoid disappointment.