A regular stopping point is Hill Holt Wood near Norton Disney in Lincolnshire. This ancient woodland runs partly as a business, social enterprise and a charity. Its safe environment draws families in to have a wander around, but unlike some family woodlands there are no mountain bikes for hire or adventure playgrounds. Instead there is the woodland and a number of little projects sitting quietly beneath the canopy working in harmony with nature.
We spent a days course with the staff at Hill Holt to see how their ethics and business work hand in hand and were most impressed. As well as a run down on their projects and interaction with the community we also got to spend time with one of their rangers (sharing a little knowledge and enthusiasm for green wood working and a mutual respect for the work of craftsmen such as Robin Wood) and enjoy some home grown food.
Since that day we have been regular Sunday visitors, sketching and escaping escaping the cold spring we have just endured into the cafe for a bowl of soup and a coffee. I have attached the sketches to this blog post for your amusement, they typically take about 30 to 45 minutes and are sketched with either a Rotring Art Pen & brown ink or Faber Castell Pitt Sepia Artists Pens.
If you are looking for a place to visit and enjoy a little quiet time, you might well enjoy it. If you are looking for a glimpse of how businesses can work in harmony and respect with the environment and community, you may well be inspired!
(blog post by Al, with respect to Karen, Nigel, Oliver, Steve, Al and the other staff & rangers)
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