Hi, I'm Rose Gray
I’m Rose, founder of Playful Paths, a former primary school teacher with 14 years of experience, a registered childminder, and mum to two young children. I’m also one of seven siblings, and we were lucky enough to grow up playing outdoors together on this very land, 2.5 acres of wild, natural freedom we’ve been enjoying for generations.
I’ve always been passionate about playful, outdoor learning, whether through forest school sessions, PE, or hands-on adventures beyond the classroom. Over the years, I noticed how disconnected children were becoming from the outside world, something I had deeply valued growing up. As an events and visits coordinator for nearly a decade, I championed real-life, hands-on learning that stretched far beyond the confines of a classroom.
That passion, paired with my own childhood memories, inspired me to create Playful Paths, a safe, natural space where children can explore freely, get muddy, be imaginative, and grow at their own pace. I believe outdoor play is essential for a child’s well-being and development. My mission is to offer a space where learning happens organically through play, guided by curiosity and connection, helping to nurture a grounded, confident, and resilient generation.
The idea for Playful Paths began over two years ago, and in 2023, I took the leap to put in a planning application. With support from kind professionals, and the full force of my wonderful, hard-working family, we brought the dream to life.
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A Family Venture
As children, we spent countless hours playing here, climbing trees, crawling through bushes, building dens, and creating muddy feasts. It was wild, free, and full of imagination. We didn’t crave screens, we craved freedom: space to run, explore, and learn through play and discovery.
Playful Paths has truly been a family labour of love. Together, we’ve cleared the land, dug and built by hand, installed fencing, created winding paths, and even put up an eco-toilet, all with sustainability at the heart of every decision. We’ve worked hard to create a space that’s rich in play opportunities for all ages, while honouring the natural environment that shaped our own childhoods.
A Sustainable Setting
Nature remains at the heart of everything we do. Every existing tree has been preserved, with more planted to encourage further biodiversity. We’ve created safe spaces and hideaways for wildlife, from tiny bugs to larger mammals, and we’re establishing a nature reserve on-site, set to open in 2026 once it’s had time to flourish.
We’ve made the most of what the land offers, using our own sand to build sandpits and a cosy mud kitchen area. Wherever possible, we’ve sourced second-hand materials, boats, tyres, play equipment, and even plumbing supplies, to keep our impact low and our creativity high.
This space is something we’ve poured our hearts and souls into, and we can’t wait to share it with you.