Upcoming Projects: Seasonal Schedule

Phase 1: Winter & Early Spring – "Rooting & Resourcing"

Focus: Planting, Earth-Work, and Foundation Skills

As the earth rests, we prepare the ground for the year ahead. This phase is all about putting down roots—literally and figuratively.

Project 1: The Native Canopy: Planting native English trees (Oak, Birch, Rowan) to expand our local woodland.
Project 2: Traditional Boundaries: Planting native hedging to create wildlife corridors and natural "fencing."
Project 3: The Edible Forest: Planting our heritage fruit orchard and establishing edible berry bushes and mushroom logs for future harvests.
Project 4: Composting Workshops: Learning the art of soil health—turning organic matter into "black gold" to feed our new trees.
Project 5: General Woodland Maintenance: Traditional winter tasks like clearing deadwood and preparing paths, ensuring the woods stay healthy.

Phase 2: Late Spring & Summer – "Building & Blooming"

Focus: Traditional Construction, Wildlife, and Outdoor Living

As the weather warms, our Women’s Woodshop moves outdoors. We use the skills learned in our hand-tool workshops to build the infrastructure of our sanctuary.

Project 6: The Eco-Toilet Build: A live project using sustainable methods to build a low-impact, environmentally friendly facility.
Project 7: The Shepherd’s Hut (The Frame): Beginning the build of our flagship Shepherd's Hut using traditional Green Oak and hand tools.
Project 8: Natural Builders Workshop (Drywalling): A hands-on "live project" teaching the heritage skill of dry stone walling to protect our boundaries.
Project 9: Bee & Bug Conservation: Planting wildflower meadows and building "Bug Hotels" to welcome our pollinators back.
Project 10: Basket Weaving: Harvesting willow and learning to weave traditional baskets in the dappled sunlight of the woods.
Project 11: Nature & Wildlife Preservation: Setting up monitoring stations and "quiet zones" to observe and protect our local wildlife.

Phase 3: Summer & Beyond – "Connection & Survival"

Focus: Bushcraft, Community, and Sustenance

Once our structures are in place, we focus on the skills that have sustained people in the West Riding for centuries.

Project 12: The Finished Hut: Completing the Shepherd's Hut as a sanctuary for mental health reflection and quiet healing.
Project 13: Bushcraft & Survival Skills: Learning to track, navigate, and thrive in the woods using heritage techniques.
Project 14: Outdoor Cooking: Gathering around the fire to cook together—sharing meals, stories, and the peace of the woods.

Why the Seasonal Approach?

By working with the rhythm of the year, we ensure that the West Riding Heritage Project remains environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Winter Planting ensures our trees have the best chance of survival.
Spring Building allows us to work safely with hand tools in the light.
Summer Gathering celebrates the community and the healing journey we are all on together.

A Message for our Participants

Don't worry if you've never held a spade or a chisel! Every project includes full training. We start with the basics, focusing on safety, tradition, and support.