The WiseWoods Project is an ambitious initiative to rewild a young wooded area into a vibrant educational and conservation space that will inspire all who visit to become proactive environmental stewards. Our aim is to create a thriving ecosystem that serves as a living classroom for all ages, teaching them the importance of sustainable woodland management and our interdependence with nature. As visitors witness the positive impact of our efforts, they will be motivated to protect the planet and their local environment. You can support this project by becoming a member of our Tribe over on Patreon. Your contributions will make a lasting impact, ensuring the preservation of these precious woodlands for generations to come.
What is WiseWoods?
The project space covers a 12-acre expanse, within the larger 120 acre Park In The Past site. The land is a testament to the resilience of nature, having transformed from a former quarry into a flourishing young woodland. The area boasts a rich tapestry of diverse habitats, including meadows with increasing wildflower cover, undulating sand banks, a river meandering through the landscape, and newly-created ponds with the potential to teem with life. The woodland itself is a blend of maturing trees and scrub, providing increasing shelter and sustenance for an array of wildlife. This recovering countryside showcases the remarkable power of nature to reclaim and rejuvenate degraded land, offering a captivating setting for our rewilding and education project.
How Your Patronage Makes a Difference
Your generous support will enable us to carry out essential rewilding activities that promote biodiversity, protect the woods from invasive species, preserve natural habitats, and create an engaging learning environment. By contributing to our cause, you will become a valued member of our Tribe, joining a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and outdoor education. We invite you to become a part of The WiseWoods Project and help us create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Your support will make a tangible impact on the restoration of this young woodland, enabling us to do the following;
- Host regular volunteer task days
- Hire in outside expertise for professional ecological advice
- Purchase essential conservation equipment
- Protect threatened wildlife
- Purchase young trees & wildflower seed
Below are some key aspects of the project that your contributions will help fund.
The WiseWoods Project has 6 key areas of work:
Native Tree Planting
We will plant native tree species to enhance the woodland’s natural diversity and resilience. These trees will provide food and shelter for various wildlife species, ensuring a thriving ecosystem. The project also aims to create a Native Arboretum with an example of every native tree species found in the UK. The addition of heritage fruit trees will not only promote biodiversity but also help to preserve traditional and rare varieties.
Invasive Species Removal
Invasive alien plants are outcompeting the native woodland wildflowers, threatening the overall health of the woodland. Your support will help us remove and control these invasive species, allowing native plants and wildlife to thrive once again.
Encouraging Bat & Bird Life
We will install nesting boxes and create standing deadwood habitat to support local bird and bat populations, creating a sanctuary for these beautiful creatures and promoting natural pest control.
Sustainable Woodland Management
We will create a mosaic of habitats, fostering biodiversity. New clearings will encourage the regrowth of wildflowers, providing valuable resources for pollinators. Our targeted approach to thinning, scrub clearance and habitat creation will be complemented by pond management. By maintaining clean and healthy ponds, we will provide vital habitats for amphibians, invertebrates, and birds, as well as create essential water sources for woodland animals. Restoring hedgerows will enhance the connectivity between habitats, providing vital wildlife corridors. Together, these efforts will help promote a thriving and diverse woodland community.
Wildlife Monitoring
With your help, we will establish a monitoring program to track and assess the health of our restored woodland, focusing on the native wildlife species that call it home. By observing and recording the populations of plants, trees. birds, mammals, insects, and other organisms, we will gain valuable insights into the overall health of the ecosystem. This information will enable us to make informed decisions about future management, tailor our conservation efforts to support these native species, and ensure the long-term success of the project, as well as ensure we are making a meaningful and positive difference.
An Exemplary Outdoor Education Hub
We aim to establish an exemplary hub for outdoor education, focused on low-impact operations and integration with nature. We strive to offer first-class outdoor education opportunities for all, including bushcraft, foraging, heritage woodland crafts, and forest school experiences for the next generation. By working in tune with the environment, our goal is to inspire others seeking to create their own outdoor education programs, demonstrating how they can be achieved while maintaining a harmonious balance with the surrounding ecosystem.
Why Sustainable Woodland Management Matters
Woodlands play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our environment, providing essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, air purification, and water filtration. Sustainable woodland management is vital to preserving these valuable resources and ensuring their longevity for future generations.
By supporting The WiseWoods Project, you are directly contributing to the creation of a more sustainable future, where people understand and appreciate the importance of preserving our natural environment. By restoring this woodland and turning it into an educational space, we will inspire future generations to become responsible stewards of the Earth, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting conservation.
Join Our Tribe: Support a Sustainable Future & Enjoy Exclusive Benefits
As a patron of the project, you will also receive a host of benefits and exclusive perks, keeping you updated and involved in the ongoing project work. These rewards will provide you with unique insights into the progress of our restoration efforts and bring you closer to the heart of our mission.
- Exclusive Project Update Videos & Blogs
- Tribe Talk: Monthly Live Gathering (online)
- Tree & Nest Box Dedications
- Discounts on our Outdoor & Online Courses
- Wild Food & Foraging Video Series
- Tribe Members Facebook Group
- plus many more
You can find out a lot more about the rewards you could get as a Patron of the project when you visit us over on Patreon.
If you think you or your business would like to support The WiseWoods Project then you can find out more about how to get involved right here.
