Social enterprise and community woodland: Hill Holt Wood case study

Findings and Recommendations

• Holistic approach – the site focuses on people and communities, management of the environment and the creation of a sustainable business
• A model for social woodland enterprise – elements of Hill Holt Wood could be adopted elsewhere as a model for rural development and diversification
• Attractive community – people live and work in the wood, so it attracts people (especially women) who may not usually venture out alone
• Support – policy-makers must decide how these organisations can be supported (e.g. grant schemes)
• Local decision-making – commitment from the community and staff provides the momentum for success and greater involvement in strategic local decision-making
• Woodland advantage – A woodland setting has distinct advantages: seemingly less crowded, calming and therapeutic for children with behavioural difficulties or special needs and scope for a variety of activities (coppicing, charcoal manufacture, woodcraft and recreation)
• Monitoring – assessments should cover ecological, social and economic impacts, in particular the effect of vocational training on young people excluded from mainstream education