Hazel Hill Trust is a registered charity (Charity no: 1160691) that is restoring and maintaining an ancient woodland site called Hazel Hill Wood as a nature reserve.
While we are mindful, respectful and supportive of the diverse and thriving ecosystem here, Hazel Hill Wood nature reserve is inclusive and welcoming to all, offering opportunities for teaching, learning, respite and nature reconnection.
We welcome all people of all ages to help us care for the woodland and enjoy learning about the wildlife that lives here. Spending time outdoors in nature is beneficial for everyone, but not everyone has easy access to these opportunities or experiences them frequently enough. So we try hard to reach those who particularly benefit from time spent here.
Our vision and mission
Our vision
For Hazel Hill to be a diverse and healthy woodland reserve and sanctuary, where people come to strengthen their connection with nature, themselves and each other, helping them develop personal resilience, well-being and a greater understanding of living sustainably.
Our mission
To bring people in close contact with nature to educate, inspire and reconnect.
To create a place for teaching, learning, community and connection with nature, ourselves and each other.
We hope that this reconnection promotes care of the natural world, of others, of community, wellbeing, resilience and sustainability for the people who come here.
Our values
- We are respectful
- We are collaborative
- We are inclusive
- We are transparent
- We are committed
Why we are needed
Disconnection from nature is damaging to people, to community, and to the environment. Meanwhile, even a short time immersed in nature can make a measurable difference to wellbeing, as well as deepen our understanding of the natural world we’re all surrounded by. A longer period, sleeping in the wood and experiencing the joy of community and time in the wild, can work wonders. The woodland itself also provides a key part of the experience for groups who gather here.
What we provide
We care for this woodland and the respectfully built buildings within. We invite others to share this amazing space with us, while the woodland itself brings the magic.
How we are funded
We rely on funding from grants, participant paying events, income from venue hire, and donations. You can find out more about how we are funded and governed in our latest Trustee Annual Report.
Volunteer Programme
Our volunteer programme includes a variety of volunteering opportunities: two practical volunteer days per month, one-off projects for regular volunteers, admin behind-the-scenes, event crew roles and wildlife surveying.
Educational Wildlife Activities
Our educational wildlife activities are a fun and interactive way to learn about nature in a woodland habitat. Come along for a Moth Morning, join an evening Bat Walk, or help us record as many species as we can at our annual summer BioBlitz weekend.
Youth Education & Wellbeing
We welcome youth groups for day trips and residentials, including Young Carers, Community Youth Groups, Home Educated Groups, Scouts and School trips. We also run Parent & Toddler Forest School, and Wildlife & Bushcraft sessions during school holidays for families.
Adult Wellbeing
Our woodland is a private, peaceful, secluded site making it an ideal place to fully immerse yourself in nature. We currently run Nature & Wellbeing Weekends for adults, and we host many wellbeing events run by trusted partner organisations. In the past we have run Green Prescription wellbeing programmes, and we hope to run these again soon.