From Forgotten to Flourishing: How Stafford Heights State School Embraced Nature Play
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Play is an essential part of childhood, supporting physical, social, and cognitive development. However, not all children experience play equally. Traditional playgrounds often prioritise physical activity without considering the diverse needs of children with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or behavioural challenges. True inclusion means designing playspaces that cater to all children, ensuring that no one is left out.
Brisbane’s subtropical climate is home to a rich variety of native plants that support local biodiversity. By planting the right species in your garden, you can attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to create a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Whether you’re planning a wildlife-friendly garden or simply want to support your local ecosystem, here are five native plants perfect for Queensland gardens.
If you’re not familiar with how vital biodiversity and plants are for our planet, take a moment to explore why they’re essential (see our blog on biodiversity here). They provide life, clean air, and endless opportunities for learning. Once you’re up to speed, get ready to discover how outdoor learning, enriched by plants and biodiversity, can transform education in your school.
In many urban areas, plants can’t be planted directly in the ground. Instead, they are often grown in pots or raised planters. If you walk through any major city, you’ll see greenery on rooftops, terraces and courtyards, often surrounded by concrete or stone.
Play is not just a fun activity for children – it is a crucial element of their development that significantly impacts behaviour. Whether indoors or outdoors, play helps children develop cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills, which ultimately shape how they interact with the world around them. Here, we explore how different types of play, particularly nature-based play, influence child behaviour.
Australian native trees, palms and plants can add stunning beauty, structure, and wildlife appeal to your garden. Whether you have a small space or a large property, there are perfect options to make your garden stand out. Below we have suggested 6 of our favourites that bring the WOW factor. They are known for their sculptural form or colour and make a key contribution to any garden.
When planning a new school or community play space, one of the first questions many people ask is: “Do we need a landscape architect, or should we just go straight to a playground equipment supplier?”
While both have a critical role in creating play spaces. The approach, outcomes, and value they provide are quite different services.
What happens when a team genuinely commits to learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures? At Orterra, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey has changed not just how we work but who we are. This is more than a workplace initiative. It’s a personal and collective transformation rooted in listening, learning and respect.
Discover how nature play transforms school environments by promoting creativity, resilience, and a lifelong connection with nature. Learn how schools can integrate natural elements into play spaces to enhance learning and sustainability.