Working alongside Swing Fitness—who are known for creating accessible outdoor training environments—Notts Sport has provided a surface that can handle regular, high-intensity use while supporting a shared commitment to community wellbeing and sustainability.
The result is a dedicated training area in one of London’s most popular parks, finished with CocoTurf, the world’s first non-plastic artificial turf made from natural coconut fibres.
The project reflects a growing shift towards more environmentally responsible materials in public spaces. Unlike traditional synthetic surfaces, CocoTurf is made using natural coconut husk fibres combined with a natural backing, eliminating microplastics and avoiding the use of PFAS.
Performance is just as important as sustainability. CocoTurf has been developed to withstand repeated use from a wide range of users, while still providing a comfortable and safe training environment. It delivers a softer, more natural feel underfoot, helping to reduce impact while maintaining the durability needed for functional fitness activities.
Set within the green surroundings of Highbury Fields, the installation blends seamlessly into the park environment. The natural tones and materials complement the landscape, creating a space that feels integrated rather than imposed.
Sam Morris from Notts Sport explained: “This project is a great example of how we can rethink traditional surfacing using natural materials without compromising on performance. CocoTurf was developed to offer a genuine alternative to plastic-based systems, and seeing it used in a busy community space like Highbury Fields really brings that vision to life.”
The finished facility is now open to the public, providing a free-to-use fitness area that supports Swing Fitness’s mission to make exercise more accessible within local communities. From casual users to regular participants, the space is designed to encourage movement, wellbeing, and social connection.
This project also highlights the wider potential for CocoTurf across urban environments—particularly in parks, playgrounds and recreational areas where sustainability, safety and long-term performance are key considerations.
As demand continues to grow for greener, more responsible surfacing solutions, installations like Highbury Fields demonstrate how innovation and natural materials can come together to create spaces that are better for both people and the planet.
