Wild Spirit Woods CIC
- Amanda C Vesty
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
A hidden haven between the Peaks and Plains In The Heart of the British Isles.
Wild Spirit Woods CIC (Community Interest Company number 16026008) is a unique conservation habitat restoration and community project and is supported by our patron Mr Andrew Wild.
The cic was born out of Ancient and Sacred Trees communiTree an online community project that spans over 12 years as of 2026.
This sacred site is our Ancient and Sacred Trees spiritual 'communiTree' home in East Cheshire. It is also host and home to other friends such as Kin By Nettie CIC.
Wild Spirit Woods Supported by The Late Dawn De Vivre (formerly Dawn Gibbins)
Dawn Gibbins Bequeathed Wild Spirit Woods For Conservation and Community
It was Dawns' wish for this land to be for conservation and community.
Knowing our founder Amanda Claires' passion for trees and nature, and being a member of our community, Dawn was very keen to support our mission to celebrate, plant and protect trees and encourage sacred connection to nature for woods, wildlife and wellbeing.
Together Dawn and Amanda planned a 'UniversiTree' on site, a place as a safe haven for wildlife but also providing retreats and workshops where people could meet and connect with trees and nature.
Our founder Amanda Claire Vesty set up the Community Interest Company called Wild Spirit Woods CIC to care for the land. This is with kind permission from Dawns' widower Lionel and at his request, in order to continue to honour Dawns' wishes and the vision she held with Amanda.
The CIC is disability led and Amanda Claire is currently a volunteer co-director with Simon Bamford supported by a whole team of wonderful volunteers.
Ancient and Sacred Trees On-The-Ground-Home at Wild Spirit Woods
Spread over 5 acres Wild Spirit Woods is situated in the heart of the British Isles on the edge of the Peak District between the peaks and plains and with stunning views. Tons of rubbish have been removed with ongoing habitat restoration taking place.
The UK has approximately 11 to 13% tree cover making it one of the least wooded and most nature depleted countries in the world. Wild Spirit Woods is especially important as it is sited just within Cheshire, one of the least wooded counties in the UK with less than 5% tree cover!
The Wild Spirit Meadow
Begun by Dawn the meadow is now being tended by Wild Spirit Woods CIC volunteers. It is in the early stages with many saplings including native and fruit trees. Trees surround a bench placed by Dawn to sit and look out over the Cheshire Plain. There is a stone circle and hearth created by Amanda Claire, our founder, by her dear friends' bench. In time a pond, and other things, will be added. Just as Dawn wished for.
The Wild Spirit Wood
Thronged with thousands of wildflowers, red campion, stitchwort, bluebells, wild garlic and more. Tiny animal paths wind through the trees. Humans are the guests here. Small places will be created, as Dawn wished, to contemplate the stream, flowers and trees. This will include a meditation platform.
A place to meet the more-than-human and the wild within and without.
Homes For Our Wild Friends
Homes for our wild friends are being created including owl, bat and bird boxes, insect hotels and a pond. Some brambles are being cleared to allow more flowers. The woods as far as possible being left undisturbed.
A Place For a Wild Spirited Community
Big temple gates mark the way to the huge beautiful goddess temple tipi sitting among the trees. The Sun Lodge is a wooden cabin with south facing sliding glass doors.
Fundraising activities are being held on site to raise funds for the woods.
This is a place where you can meet fellow communiTree members face to face and deepen your connections with Mother Nature and the Trees. You can meet members of the Wild Spirit Wood CIC volunteer team and take part in conservation activities too.
A Safe Haven for Children and Young People
The woods are now becoming a safe haven for children and young people who have experienced trauma, have special educational needs, are Autistic, ADHD, etc and/or are in care. The volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a new growing area for fruit, vegetables and flowers ready to go in Spring 2026. The facilities will be used for teaching and therapy.
A forest school and Steiner Waldorf education are also being established .
Dawn Gibbins (Latterly known as Dawn De Vivre) in her own words to Founder Amanda Claire
Featuring Whats App video messages to Amanda Claire in support of Ancient and Sacred Trees and Wild Spirit Woods and planing AST's home the 'universitree campus' where people come to commune, learn and be inspired by trees and nature.
A Dedication To Dawn Gibbins (De Vivre)
Also on Youtube : Gifted to Dawn a couple of months before she died, this short film gives real insight into the beautiful soul that Dawn was and is.
Known for her philanthropy Dawn (formerly known as Dawn Gibbins) was featured in Channel 4's Secret Millionaire program. It was, as she said, a 'life changing experience'. Wild Spirit Woods was her last project.
Dawn leaves behind a living legacy and continues to inspire us all.
Gratitude
We express gratitude to Mr Lionel David Cox, her widower, with whose permission we continue to support Dawns' vision enabling Wild Spirit Woods CIC to care for the land with love and dedication. Without whom this wild seed, this germination of flowering possibilities, would not be possible.
We also extend our gratitude to our top supporters including Vikki Allen and Alex Bell.
Below is a photo of the two dear friends, Dawn DeVivre and Amanda Claire Vesty, together.
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