What We Do
Hill Holt Wood is a social enterprise; it focuses on changing people's lives within a sustainable, environmental setting. The organisation, quite simply, puts people first and works in a holistic way with the emphasis on positive change and social inclusion. The way people that work here really embrace the social enterprise vision, it is more than a job, it is a way of life and the team embodies the spirit of a family. This matters because whatever strand of the business we are working at it is always done with a caring and conscientious attitude because the outcome always reflects on the integrity of the team as a whole.
Education & Courses
Hill Holt Wood runs a range of different education programmes and courses, all aimed at engaging participants with nature. We run clubs for smaller children in the woodland, we teach primary school groups, we also run an alternative pathways programme for people aged 16 to 18 and we teach natural building courses for adults.
Hill Holt Health
The Hill Holt Health Programme is a nature-based therapeutic service, based on the Ecotherapy or Green Care model of wellbeing. By getting outside and working on woodland management, conservation and coppice craft activities in our beautiful 43-acre ancient woodland, our participants find their emotional, cognitive and physical health improves.
Natural Burials
Norton Big wood is the home of Hill Holt Wood’s natural burials. Surrounded by Birch, Ash and Pine, you can choose your perfect plot within our peaceful, tranquil woodland. Whether you require a natural burial, ashes burials, ashes scattering or wake services, we have something to suit your wishes. We also offer memorial benches and other products.
Events & Hire
Occupying a tranquil position within an ancient woodland you can take advantage of our unique hospitality packages overseen by our experienced Event’s Manager. Whether it’s an informal business meeting, upmarket buffet food or a novel wedding reception location that you require we can cater for all of your needs.
Land Management
Our Forestry Services team manages over 1000 acres of woodland and recently won the Award for Excellence by the Royal Forestry Society. We pride ourselves on managing woodlands and other habitats in a sustainable and conscientious manner. Wood that we extract will be used either in on our award-winning Eco-buildings, used onsite or sold as fire wood.
Countryside NK
On April 1st 2018 we launched Countryside NK, our 10-year partnership with North Kesteven District Council to improve the local area for all to enjoy. We are maintaining clean, green and safe access to the network of walks and other areas to promote active lifestyles. Current maintenance work includes the entire network of 'Stepping Out' Walks.
Design & Construction
Our post 16 courses vary depending on current projects, local opportunities and the job market. Currently we offer; Horticulture, Hospitality, Small Animal Care, Construction and Heritage Woodcraft. Our learners also work towards achieving Functional Skills, Maths and English along with other smaller awards and industry relevant qualifications.
Engaging Local Community
‘Growing up Green’ is part of the Community Fund's Our Bright Future project where we aim to support young people to carry out environmental vocational work in the local community. Young people are supported to design and deliver local projects, working with partners to develop sustainable approaches to a plethora of developments.
Hive Café
The Hive café is nestled in the heart of our beautiful woodland, not far from Norton Disney village. We serve a wide variety of tasty dishes made from home grown, local and organic produce. By using these ingredients in our kitchen we hope to make a positive impact on the environment. Our café caters for a range of dietary requirements and currently holds a 5-star food hygiene rating.