Percussion Play, the world’s leading expert in creating inclusive and engaging musical play spaces is excited to announce it is to partner with The Huntington & Langham Estate – which runs two award-winning care homes set in 30 acres of Surrey countryside - to explore how outdoor music-making can positively impact older people and people living with dementia.

Marking Care Home Open Week (16th-22nd June), Percussion Play and The Huntington & Langham Estate have announced they will jointly conduct a pilot study next month which will see the appointment of a ‘Musician-in-Residence’ – what they believe to be a first for research in the care home sector in the UK.  Stuart Wood MBE is a scholar and academic on music and care and will be based on the Surrey Estate seeking to engage residents and their families at both Huntington House and Langham Court in a range of music-making activities, outside, in the extensive grounds.  This study will be part of Stuart's Visiting Research Fellowship at Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts, where he will also share insights from this project with music students and post-graduate researchers. 

It is widely acknowledged that both making music and spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on the cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing of older people. This innovative pilot project will explore how combining these two experiences—creating music in outdoor settings—can further enhance social connection, uplift mood, and support mental and physical health within care home communities.

Percussion Play’s outdoor instruments are tuned to pentatonic scales, ensuring that every sound is harmonious and accessible—regardless of musical background. Their inclusive design makes them ideal for people of all abilities, encouraging creativity, expression, and joyful participation.

Musician in residence on The Huntington & Langham Estate, Stuart Wood MBE says, “This study presents a valuable opportunity to examine how the intersection of outdoor environments and music-making can support the wellbeing of older people. By facilitating musical experiences in natural settings, we aim to deepen our understanding of how such practices can foster social connection, emotional expression, and overall health in later life.”

The Huntington & Langham Estate, a family-run business for more than 40 years operates two care homes, Huntington House – a residential and nursing home and Langham Court – a purpose-built specialist home for those living with dementia. Passionate about meaningful care, the Huntington & Langham Estate follow the pioneering Butterfly and Dragonfly care models which promote emotions-based care and a true connection between staff and residents.

Langham Court, was recognised for its excellence and innovation in dementia care winning ‘Best Dementia Care Home’ at the 2024 National Dementia Awards. Huntington House was shortlisted for ‘Nursing Home of the Year’ at the 2024 Surrey Care Awards. The Huntington & Langham Estate has been shortlisted for ‘The Outstanding Care Home Provider’ at the Stars of Social Care Awards 2025.

Recently, the Huntington & Langham estate has also become home to Hidden Valley Woodland Holiday camps providing opportunity for intergenerational experiences which promote a sense of purpose, learning and joy for all age groups.

“We are very excited to be piloting this project alongside Percussion Play. We are curious about the possibilities and the benefits of combining music and nature and the impact this might have on the wellbeing of our residents and their families.” Sarah Chapman, Director Huntington & Langham Estate

“We are really keen to see whether the project can help answer some poignant, largely unanswered questions about how best to encourage meaningful engagement and interaction within care homes and what works best for building strong relationships and connections between people living and working together.” Charlie Hoare, Managing Director, Huntington & Langham Estate

This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in reimagining how we enhance the wellbeing of care home residents," said Jody Ashfield, CEO of Percussion Play. "Our instruments have long brought joy to people in care homes, parks, schools, and playgrounds, and this study offers a valuable opportunity to explore their positive, measurable impact within care home communities."

Findings from this week-long pilot study may inform a larger, international research project planned for later this year, with results expected to be published in 2026.