History & Awards
History
Our story so far..
Hill Holt Wood was purchased by Nigel and Karen Lowthrop in 1995. It was in poor condition with invasive rhododendron, a damaged drainage system and the majority of the quality timber removed by the previous owners.
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Nigel and Karen had a vision for the woodland, and in 1997 the Hill Holt Wood Management Committee was established as a link between the owners and the surrounding community. Initially representing four parishes this developed over the following five years to eleven parishes with a population totalling in excess if 10,000. In 2002 the Volunteer Board of Directors took control and Hill Holt Wood, the social enterprise was born.
HHW has become increasingly well known at both a regional and national level due to effective networking and partnership working, as well as word of mouth. There is a growing awareness amongst environmental and educational professionals that this type of project crosses a range of government policy areas.
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The role of social enterprises in rural development and rural diversification is becoming an issue of increasing interest. The government sees social enterprises as a way of providing public goods.
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Hill Holt Wood started life over 300 years ago. Now, in the 21st Century, Hill Holt Wood is a thriving community project with visitors from all over Europe.
Awards
2022
Royal Forestry Society - Excellence in Forestry
GOLD - Best of the Best
2022
Newark Business Awards
Environmental Champion
2018
Gold Caring2Learn Award
Awarded to Hill Holt Wood for their commitment to improving learning outcomes for Looked after Children
2017
Royal Forestry Society Gold Award for Excellence
Education and Learning Award for The Study Programme
2017
Britain In Bloom Judges Award & Best Voluntary Group
For Lollycocks Nature Reserve
2016
North Kesteven District Council Community Business Award
For extensive engagement in the provision of community resources and facilities and support of a range of community projects.
2016
EBP Investors In Education Award
Awarded for our contribution to the Lincoln Construction Week
2016
Lincolnshire Energy Awards Sustainable Construction Company of the Year
Awarded to Design HHW for being committed to sustainable construction
2011
Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year. Regional winner Karen Lowthrop
For showing drive and innovation in starting and growing companies in challenging economic conditions
2011
The Royal Forestry Society, Excellence in Forestry Awards.
Community Forestry Award 1st Prize
2009
The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire award. Awarded to Karen Lowthrop
For creating additional social value, reinvesting profits to innovate and enhance their service offer and creating jobs and opportunities for people and communities
2009
Green Apple Awards
Housing Associations Green Apple Award For The Built Environment
Green Champion 2009
Green Apple Champion of Champions Award 2009
2006
Lord Stafford Award For Innovation In Sustainability
For its thriving business that created 28 jobs and developed a new learning model for young people not in mainstream education
2006
Lincolnshire & Rutland Business award
For exceptional work with young people