Education and Nature Play

School Ground Design, Nature Play and Outdoor Learning Environments

Transform your school grounds into places where students learn, explore and thrive.

At Orterra we design nature play spaces, playgrounds and outdoor learning environments for schools across Queensland, Northern NSW and the Northern Territory.

We work with principals, teachers and school communities to transform underused outdoor areas into spaces that support play, wellbeing and learning. From a single playground upgrade to a whole school landscape masterplan, our goal is simple:

Create school environments where students love to learn and play.

Education Nature Play
Education Nature Play

Why Outdoor Learning Environments Matter

School grounds are more than open space. Well designed outdoor environments support physical activity, creativity, social development and connection to nature. Research consistently shows that outdoor learning spaces help improve student wellbeing, concentration and engagement.

At Orterra we design landscapes that allow learning to extend beyond the classroom.

These spaces may include:

  • Nature play environments
  • Outdoor classrooms
  • Learning gardens
  • Sensory landscapes
  • Amphitheatre seating
  • Shaded gathering spaces
  • Informal play areas
  • Biodiversity gardens

Each design reflects the unique character and learning philosophy of the school community.

Specialist Educational Services

Open and Play Space

Master Planning

Learn More

Nature Play and

Play Space Design

Learn More

Child-led Workshops

and Design

Learn More

Design Intensive Workshops


Learn More

Case Studies

Norfolk Village Case Study

Case Study – Norfolk Village

Case Study – Stafford Heights State School

Case Study – Widgee State School 

What School Leaders Say

"We engaged Debbie LaPorte through Nature Play Queensland when we first started wanting to know more about Nature play. Our partnership began with a walk around our school and a chat to our Early Years teachers, who were paving the way with outdoor learning. They shared their stories of experimentation with Debbie, who made some simple suggestions about engaging our learners in loose parts play.

From there, we engaged Orterra to draw a Master Plan for outdoor learning at our school. The end result was amazing and our investment is paying off. We got detailed plans drawn from the Master Plan to start Stage 1 of our Nature Play play areas. Debbie and the team were easy to communicate with, they understood the context of working with a school and they helped us each step of the way.

I highly recommend the Orterra team if you are interested in helping your children and community connect with nature and learn in a way that is beneficial for their heart and mind. We look forward to continuing to partner with Orterra in coming years."

Trudi - Corinda State School

Deb and her team at Orterra have been amazing to work with, right from the outset. They have challenged our thinking in the most positive way when it comes to the design, purpose and planning of our Nature Playspace for our students. Encouraging and supporting effective consultation with all stakeholders in the process.

Our Concept Design has been developed, to enable a very large and expensive project to be staged at a pace suitable to our environment, financial capability to deliver and where we are in the education journey that accompanies this type of change. As we begin our journey our students and staff are adjusting to a new understanding of play, what it can look like and are benefiting from improved behaviours and engagement of the students.

The team at Orterra are only a phone call away and always prepared to provide advice or support when needed as our project evolves. Thanks Deb and all your team.

Jo - Stafford Heights State School

Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you design playgrounds for schools?

Yes. Orterra designs nature play environments and playgrounds for primary schools, high schools and early learning centres.

Can you help with funding applications?

Yes. Our concept designs can be used for grant applications and we can provide supporting material.

Do you work with education departments?

Yes. We regularly work with schools, councils and education departments across Queensland and northern Australia.

Yes. Many schools implement their landscape masterplan over several years.

Other Services

Site Analysis

A site analysis is where we really look at your site. In…

Community Consultation

Orterra specialises in consultation with our education clients. Childcare, kindergarten, and schools.…

Landscape Sketch and Concept Design

Orterra prides itself on developing concept and sketch designs our clients love.…

Play and Nature Play Playground Design

Orterra is an advocate for children’s play in all forms. We have…

Latest Posts

Deep Planting: What It Is and Why It Matters

administratorEnvironment

[…]

What the New Tree Protection Standard AS 4970:2025 Means for Development Projects

administratorEnvironment

[…]

Why Soft Engineering is the Smarter Solution for Erosion Control

administratorEnvironment, Garden Design, Property Development and Commercial, Residential

Erosion is a natural process where soil, rock, or other surface materials are worn away and transported by wind, water, or gravity. While it’s a vital part of natural ecosystems, erosion on your property can lead to costly damage, loss of valuable soil, and even structural instability. The good news? You don’t need concrete walls or heavy machinery to solve the problem. Soft engineering solutions work with nature to create sustainable, cost-effective, and beautiful erosion control.

Read More