School Grounds in Forest Hill designed for learning, play and wellbeing. From adventure play and quiet zones to sports surfaces and safe surfacing, we deliver robust, inspiring spaces for schools and nurseries across SE23.
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Fine Landscaping creates school grounds that work hard every day, from first bell to after-school clubs. In SE23, we’re often asked to blend practical circulation routes with standout features such as outdoor classrooms, wildlife gardens and growing areas. Designs can reflect the creative feel of Forest Hill, with subtle nods to places like the Horniman Museum. We also plan layouts that cope with heavy footfall and year-round use.
Forest Hill’s Victorian and Edwardian houses and period conversions often sit on plots with mature boundaries and tight access, which can mirror the constraints schools face locally. We’re used to working around existing trees, legacy tarmac, and mixed levels common across nearby Sydenham and Honor Oak. Whether you need a refreshed playground or a full grounds upgrade, we specify materials that suit intensive use and local conditions. Our team is based just 20 minutes away, so site visits and follow-ups are straightforward.
We start with a measured survey, safeguarding-aware site planning and a clear concept design, then refine details with your priorities for safety, supervision and inclusivity. Every build is programmed to reduce disruption, with phased working available for term time and holiday delivery. You’ll receive transparent specifications, RAMS where required, and a handover pack covering care and maintenance. Local schools trust us for tidy sites, dependable communication and finishes that stand up to daily wear.
Across the London Borough of Lewisham, we regularly encounter clay-heavy soils and compacted ground that needs proper preparation and drainage. Access can be restricted near Forest Hill station, so we plan deliveries, waste removal and parking to keep neighbours happy. We also adapt designs for sloping sites found around viewpoints such as Blythe Hill Fields, using terraces, retaining edges and clear route planning. This local experience helps keep programmes realistic and costs controlled.
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Costs vary with size, surfacing type and the number of features. As a guide, small upgrades (new safe surfacing, markings, minor play elements) often start from £8,000–£20,000. Mid-sized schemes with playground design, quiet zones and some planting are commonly £25,000–£60,000. Larger projects adding outdoor classrooms, sports surfaces, drainage and multiple zones can be £70,000–£150,000+. We provide a detailed, itemised estimate after survey.
Typical timescales range from 1–2 weeks for small resurfacing and play upgrades, to 3–6 weeks for multi-zone schemes with planting, fencing and new paths. Larger programmes with sports surfaces, drainage and outdoor classrooms may take 6–12+ weeks. Timing depends on access, term-time restrictions, ground conditions, lead times for specialist surfacing, and weather. We can phase works to keep key areas open where needed.
Many school grounds improvements are permitted, but some elements can require consent, especially new fencing heights, lighting, significant level changes, or works affecting trees and boundaries. If your site is near protected trees or has specific restrictions, additional checks may be needed. We review the scope early, flag likely approvals, and can support drawings and specifications for submissions. We also ensure surfacing and play equipment meet relevant safety standards.
We provide a 10-year warranty on workmanship for eligible hard landscaping elements such as paving, edging, retaining details and installed structures, subject to correct use and maintenance. Manufacturer warranties apply separately for play equipment, artificial surfaces, and specialist sports systems, and we’ll pass these on in your handover pack. If anything settles or needs adjustment within the warranty terms, we return promptly to inspect and rectify where covered.
Options include wetpour and rubber mulch for safe surfacing, resin-bound paths, permeable paving, and durable sports systems such as polymeric or artificial turf. For learning zones, we can build timber or steel-framed outdoor classrooms, raised planters for growing areas, and habitat features for wildlife gardens. Adventure play can use natural logs, boulders and climbing structures, while quiet zones benefit from seating, sensory planting and screening. We guide choices based on age range, supervision, durability and budget.
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