Trees that had to make way for the new Chase Farm Hospital are being put to good use – by children in the hospital’s day nursery.

Staff at Chase Farm wanted to make sure that the trees - which were on the grounds where the new hospital has been built – did not go to waste and were used in the new building or in the local community.

They enlisted the help of Integrated Health Projects (IHP), who are the principal contractor for the Chase Farm site to deliver and re-purpose the trees which now take pride of place in the Chase Farm Hospital staff day nursery outdoor play area.  Now there is a big log for the children to sit on or clamber over and the wood has also been cut into ‘stepping stones’ creating a pathway to one of the covered play huts.

Laura Hanna, the nursery manager said: “Back in 2015 staff were asked for ideas for the trees that had to be cut down and I suggested the nursery have some because I know it would deliver great learning opportunities for our children and would be a lot of fun. The result looks absolutely fantastic and the children love the new additions.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Paul Orr and his team at IHP.”

Natalie Forrest, chief executive of Chase Farm Hospital, said: “It’s brilliant to see the trees being used in this imaginative way.”