Julie has been immersed in outdoor learning and play for over 30 years, supporting schools and settings across the UK, Europe and beyond. A landscape designer by profession, she’s determined to see all children have daily access to high quality outdoor spaces at school, that enable physically active, challenging play and meaningful learning experiences.

Julie’s landscapes are characterised by use of plants and natural materials, and an abundance of loose parts. Each space is a collaboration and reflects careful consideration of what’s truly needed in each setting.

Her career spans national programmes and Growing Schools gardens at Learning through Landscapes and researching high quality outdoor play spaces across the world as a founder member of the International School Grounds Alliance. Julie’s work echoes the innovation and joy she’s found in these schools and kindergartens.

Her unique 50 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do holiday day camp - based on Gever Tulley’s book – allows children to explore competencies, push boundaries, wield power tools and learn to dynamically risk assess their own play.

Julie is thrilled to join OPAL and looks forward to helping more schools make the most of the unique and special nature of school grounds for play.