// Parks For People
Project: Hampshire Country Parks Transofrmation
Client: Hampshire County Council
Partners: Hotrod Creations, Ci, TGACom
Notable Mentions: Right To Work, Get Up and Go Havant, E-Hants Mind, John Muir and more.
Start
There are over 290 Country Parks across the UK, and we worked in partnership with teams from five Hampshire Country Parks as part of the Country Park Transformation Project - Parks for People
Together, we set out to explore how these diverse, shared and shaped landscapes — gateways to the countryside — could share their living stories, foster deeper community connections, and become more inclusive, dynamic spaces through a blend of physical and digital storytelling interventions.
Journey
We discovered that country parks are more than simple shared green spaces, they are landscapes shaped by people and history, rich with evolving stories. Each park holds a distinct identity, reflecting the diverse communities, natural heritage and lived experiences of the people connected to it.
At Staunton Country Park, we developed an innovative digital storytelling platform that combines trails and podcasts with educational content, interactive signage, an exhibition in the stable buildings and a brand new 21st century folly. This platform weaves together voices and perspectives from park rangers, historians, botanists, mental health advocates, educators, community interest groups, and local families.
It invites visitors to explore the park through new stories and experiences — from hidden histories to wildlife, wellbeing, and community initiatives like the community orchard. The platform is free and accessible to all park visitors, designed to deepen their connection to the landscape while offering new ways to get involved.
Destination
The project has helped Hampshire’s country parks express themselves in new ways as essential community resources for education, wellbeing, culture, and social connection.
Outcomes include:
A tailor-made, evolving digital platform with heritage stories, trails, and opportunities to meet the ‘Park People’ — the diverse network of people who shape and use the park.
New interactive exhibitions, classrooms, signage, and wayfinding, enriching on-site experiences.
A growing web of connections between the park and its surrounding communities, fostering collaboration, learning, and wellbeing.
A model for heritage-led regeneration, integrating storytelling, culture, mental health, fitness, advocacy, and education into everyday park life.
