Upcoming Projects & Future Horizons

The West Riding Heritage Project is growing. Thanks to our grassroots mission and the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, we are expanding into the great outdoors. Our upcoming woodland projects focus on healing through nature, sustainable living, and preserving the West Riding landscape.

1. Rooted in the Earth: Planting & Conservation

We are dedicated to restoring our local landscape and creating a haven for wildlife.

  • The Heritage Forest: Planting native English trees and traditional hedging to create a legacy for future generations.

  • The Community Orchard & Edibles: Planting a traditional fruit orchard along with edible berry bushes and mushroom logs—reconnecting us with the food heritage of our land.

  • Bee & Bug Conservation: Sowing wildflower meadows for bee conservation and building "Bug Hotels" to support our local biodiversity.

  • Nature Preservation: Ongoing projects to protect and monitor our local wildlife and their habitats.

2. Natural Building & Traditional Skills

Using the raw materials of the West Riding, we are teaching the ancient art of building in harmony with nature.

  • The Green Oak Shepherd’s Hut: A flagship project where we will build a traditional Shepherd’s Hut from scratch using green oak—a true test of hand-tool mastery.

  • Natural Builders Workshop: A live "Drywalling" project, teaching the heritage skill of dry stone walling that defines our local landscape.

  • Basket Weaving: Learning the rhythmic, meditative art of weaving using locally sourced willow.

3. Sustainable Living & Woodland Skills

We believe in a "closed-loop" lifestyle that respects the environment and promotes self-sufficiency.

  • The Eco-Toilet Project: Building a sustainable, environmentally friendly eco-toilet for our woodland site.

  • Composting Workshops: Turning "waste" into gold and learning the science of soil health.

  • General Woodland Maintenance: Hands-on days learning how to care for a forest, from selective thinning to path maintenance.

4. Rewilding the Soul: Outdoor Wellbeing

These projects are designed to get us back to basics, away from the noise of modern life.

  • Bushcraft & Wildlife Preservation: Learning to thrive in nature using traditional skills and tracking local wildlife.

  • Outdoor Cooking: Sharing meals and stories over an open fire—there is no better way to build a community.

  • The Shepherd's Hut Sanctuary: Once complete, our huts will serve as quiet spaces for mental health reflection and "safe harbour" sessions.

How to Get Involved

These projects are for everyone, regardless of experience. Whether you want to plant a tree that will stand for 100 years, learn how to build a stone wall, or simply sit by the fire and cook, there is a place for you here.

Note for Volunteers: Our women-only carpentry skills will be heavily involved in the building of the Shepherd's Hut and the Eco-Toilet, providing a fantastic way to use your new hand-tool skills on a live project! 

Our Next Project for youth Volunteers- We will be running a project for young volunteers age 12 - 18 to join us in planting some native trees and flowers in early spring. Send us an email to register your interest . The young volunteers must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.

 

Why This Matters for our C.I.C.

As a Community Interest Company, we are committed to Environmental Sustainability. By planting native species, building with green oak, and teaching composting, we are ensuring that the West Riding Heritage Project leaves the earth better than we found it.