Can a net adventure be built between trees?
Yes, a net adventure can absolutely be built between trees. Trees serve as natural anchor points for aerial net structures, supporting platforms, climbing nets, slides, and tunnels at height. The key is selecting the right species, using tree-friendly attachment systems, and working with engineers who understand both the structural demands and the biological needs of living trees. Below, we answer the most common questions operators ask before starting a tree-based net adventure project.
What types of trees are suitable for supporting a net adventure?
Strong, mature hardwood trees with healthy root systems and straight trunks are the most suitable for supporting a net adventure between trees. Species such as oak, beech, ash, and Douglas fir are commonly used because they combine structural strength with long-term stability. The tree must have a minimum trunk diameter and show no signs of disease, rot, or structural weakness before it can be approved as a load-bearing anchor.
A qualified arborist assesses each tree individually before construction begins. This assessment covers trunk diameter, canopy condition, root health, and proximity to other trees. Trees that pass inspection are mapped into the structural design, and the layout of the net adventure adapts to their natural positions rather than forcing trees into a predetermined grid. This approach protects the trees and produces a more organic, visually appealing attraction.
Softwood species such as pine can be used in some designs but require closer monitoring over time, as they tend to be more susceptible to wind loading and long-term stress. Mixed forests present a manageable challenge: engineers simply select the strongest candidates and work around those that do not qualify.
How are attachment points fixed to trees without damaging them?
Attachment points for a tree-based net adventure are fixed using tree-friendly hardware systems that distribute load across the bark and cambium layer without penetrating deeply into living tissue. The most common method uses flexible sling systems or specially designed tree anchors that wrap around the trunk, allowing the tree to continue growing without restriction. Bolts, where used, are installed with spacers that accommodate growth over time.
The goal is to minimise the contact surface while maximising load distribution. Rigid metal bands are avoided because they constrict the trunk as the tree grows. Instead, dynamic attachment systems expand with the tree, reducing the risk of long-term damage. Funcha’s approach to net adventure construction applies these techniques across every project, ensuring trees remain healthy throughout the attraction’s operational lifespan.
Regular inspection of attachment points is built into the maintenance schedule. As trees grow, hardware is adjusted or replaced to maintain both structural integrity and tree health. This is not a one-time installation decision; it is an ongoing commitment that responsible operators build into their annual maintenance budget.
What structural loads does a net adventure place on trees?
A net adventure between trees places three primary types of structural load on anchor trees: static loads from the weight of the structure itself, dynamic loads from visitors moving, jumping, and swinging across the nets, and wind loads that act on the netting surface area. Engineers calculate all three load types and combine them into a worst-case scenario that each tree anchor must comfortably handle.
Dynamic loads are typically the most significant. When multiple visitors jump simultaneously on a net panel, the impulse force transferred to the anchor trees can be several times the static weight of those visitors. Structural calculations account for simultaneous use across the entire attraction, not just individual panels. This is why tree selection and anchor design must be handled by structural engineers with specific experience in aerial attractions, not general construction contractors.
Wind loading depends on the net surface area and the local wind exposure of the site. Open hilltop locations carry higher wind loads than sheltered woodland settings. The structural design adjusts accordingly, sometimes adding intermediate ground supports or guy wires to reduce the load transferred directly to trees in more exposed positions.
Does building a net adventure between trees require planning permission?
In most countries and regions, building a net adventure park in trees does require some form of planning permission or building consent, though the specific requirements vary significantly by location. Factors that typically trigger a formal planning application include the height of the structure, the number of visitors expected, proximity to protected woodland, and whether the site is classified as a nature reserve or heritage area.
Temporary structures may fall under lighter-touch permitted development rules in some jurisdictions, while permanent attractions almost always require a full application. Operators should also check whether the trees themselves are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or equivalent designation, as this adds an additional layer of consent before any attachment hardware can be installed.
Environmental impact assessments are sometimes required for sites within or adjacent to protected habitats. Working with an experienced developer who has navigated these processes across multiple countries significantly reduces the time and risk involved. Our project development process includes support with regulatory and permitting requirements from the earliest planning stages.
How does a net adventure in trees differ from a ground-level net park?
A tree-based net adventure differs from a ground-level net park primarily in height, structural complexity, and visitor experience. An aerial net park is suspended between trees at heights ranging from two to fifteen metres or more, creating a genuine sense of adventure and exposure. A ground-level net park sits close to the ground, making it more accessible to younger children but less intense as an experience for older visitors and adults.
From a construction standpoint, tree-based net adventures require structural engineering for both the trees and the connection systems, safety netting below working platforms, and a more complex installation process. Ground-level parks are typically faster to install and require less site-specific engineering, but they also deliver a lower perceived value to visitors and tend to attract a narrower age range.
The commercial difference is meaningful. Tree-based net adventures command higher ticket prices, draw a broader demographic, and create stronger word-of-mouth because the experience is genuinely memorable. Operators who invest in an aerial net park consistently report higher visitor dwell time and stronger repeat visit rates compared to ground-level alternatives. You can explore examples of completed projects in our project portfolio to compare different formats and scales.
What maintenance does a tree-based net adventure require over time?
A tree-based net adventure requires regular inspection and maintenance across four main areas: the nets and connection points, the tree anchors and hardware, the platforms and access structures, and the trees themselves. Most operators schedule a formal annual inspection by a certified inspector alongside more frequent visual checks carried out by trained on-site staff throughout the operating season.
Net panels are the highest-wear component. UV exposure, heavy use, and occasional accidental damage all reduce the lifespan of individual panels. A well-designed net adventure uses a knotting technique that isolates damage to individual sections, allowing targeted repair or replacement without taking the entire attraction offline. This keeps downtime short and maintenance costs predictable.
Tree anchor hardware requires inspection at least once per year, with adjustments made wherever tree growth has begun to put pressure on attachment systems. Platforms and structural timber elements are inspected for rot, splitting, and fastener corrosion. Any element that does not pass inspection is replaced before the attraction reopens for the following season. Operators who budget for this maintenance from the outset experience far fewer unexpected closures and a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the attraction.
How we help you build a net adventure between trees
We design and build tree-based net adventures from the ground up, handling every stage of the process so you can focus on running your business. Here is what working with us looks like in practice:
- Site assessment: We evaluate your trees, terrain, and local regulations before any design work begins.
- Custom design: Every net adventure is designed around your specific trees, visitor targets, and budget, no off-the-shelf solutions.
- Structural engineering: Our engineers calculate all load scenarios and design anchor systems that protect both the structure and the trees.
- Permitting support: We guide you through planning applications and regulatory requirements in your region.
- Construction: Our own teams build the attraction using tree-friendly attachment techniques and EN- and ISO-certified components.
- Maintenance programmes: We offer ongoing inspection and maintenance contracts to keep your attraction safe and operational year after year.
If you are considering adding a net adventure park to your location and want to understand what is possible on your specific site, get in touch with our team to start the conversation.