Over the years we have hosted many wellbeing days for Salisbury Hospice staff. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we were able to run a similar event for the specially trained volunteers of the Bereavement service, who offer support for family members whose loved ones have been cared for by the hospice.… Continue reading Salisbury Hospice
Category: Stories
Stories from Hazel Hill Wood
The Wood’s Story
A rich history and the roots of the woodland today: Hazel Hill is part of a large ancient forest which existed in the 14th century, and probably long before. In the 14th and 15th centuries, this whole area was part of the royal hunting forest of Clarendon Palace, whose ruins are 2 miles north-west of… Continue reading The Wood’s Story
The Secret Wildlife of Salisbury
Jun-Aug 2024 We are really pleased to have been awarded £500 in seed funding from Salisbury Transition City to run nature and wellbeing events in Salisbury, bringing our knowledge from the woods into the city! We are running 4 events over summer 2024: Our aim is to empower Salisbury residents to explore and appreciate the… Continue reading The Secret Wildlife of Salisbury
2023 – a bumper year for moth recording!
‘The Mocha’ moth likes woodland habitats. The caterpillars feed on field maple leaves. Written by volunteer Polly Whyte Thanks to an amazing volunteer effort, we recorded more moths in 2023 than any year before. Six nights of light trap surveys were undertaken at Hazel Hill Wood between April and October, plus further species were recorded… Continue reading 2023 – a bumper year for moth recording!
Embracing New Connections: Opening the Northern Nature Reserve at Hazel Hill Wood
During our vision and strategy review in 2022-23, a crucial clarification of our philosophy emerged. It is that Hazel Hill is a dynamic space of exchange, where the reciprocal relationship between humans and the more-than-human world thrives. Our shared acts of conservation and mindful presence cultivate mutual healing and learning, deepening a bond that extends… Continue reading Embracing New Connections: Opening the Northern Nature Reserve at Hazel Hill Wood
A Meeting in the Woods – Permaculture, Play & Presence
10-12 May 2024 *partner event* A Meeting in the Woods is a playful and restorative weekend exploring our relationship to the earth and each other in the magical setting of Hazel Hill Wood. We’re weaving together permaculture principles, mindfulness and nature connection practices through play, movement, enquiry and dialogue, affirming our connection to life and… Continue reading A Meeting in the Woods – Permaculture, Play & Presence
2023 volunteer survey results
We’re really pleased to report that our volunteers are still enjoying themselves at Hazel Hill Wood! Similar results to last year, with some more positive responses and fewer improvements suggested. Reasons for volunteering continue to have themes of: See here for a presentation with graphs and more details. See below for some photos of what… Continue reading 2023 volunteer survey results
Our wildflower-rich hay meadow
As you turn off Grimstead Road and go down the track into Hazel Hill Wood, you pass our meadow on your right, part of our land. It’s at its peak in June and July, visibly and audibly full of life, and is one part of the mosaic of habitats that makes Hazel Hill Wood so… Continue reading Our wildflower-rich hay meadow
In praise of the simple things: the Longhouse
Today I feel very grateful for a simple thing at Hazel Hill Wood: the Longhouse drying room. I cycled to the wood from Salisbury and got very wet. It was warm springtime rain, the kind I like but motivating me on my ride was the idea of drying off my stuff in the Longhouse. Back… Continue reading In praise of the simple things: the Longhouse
Hedgerow havens
Maintaining healthy habitats for wildlife. Before you enter Hazel Hill Wood, you pass the meadow. Along the edge of that meadow is a thriving hedgerow – one part of the mosaic of habitats that makes Hazel Hill Wood so rich in wildlife. Over the course of around 7 years, we have layed this hedge with… Continue reading Hedgerow havens