Wild Spirit Woods
A hidden haven between the Peaks and Plains In The Heart of the British Isles.
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Wild Spirit Woods CIC is (Company number 16026008) is a unique charitable conservation habitat restoration and community project that is disability led and volunteer run.
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The land has been set up as a Nature First site and to support Autistic and other neurodiverse people, young people and adults with social and emotional mental health needs such as PTSD and LGBTQ+ and local community.
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This sacred site is our Ancient and Sacred Trees spiritual home home in East Cheshire and supported by a loyal team of on the ground volunteer 'communiTree' members.
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We are delighted to aid in caring for our Wild Friends including Deer, Badger, Fox, Hare and more.
Now too the CIC will be hosting a local SEN school for children age 8 to 18 on this land who have experienced trauma, are neurodivergent and many of whom are in care.
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We extend our gratitude to our patron Mr Andy Wild who has supported the CIC since its' inception and has been instrumental in furthering its' progress.
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The Ancient and Sacred Trees community, born 12 years ago, has come of age birthing the CIC, celebrating the values set up by our online community and pledging to be a safe haven for all, but most especially for those whose voices are so often heard the least.
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Our On The Ground Home with Gratitude to our benefactor and her widower
The Late Dawn De Vivre, who named and 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 has now set up the charitable 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 one of the volunteer directors.
Wild Spirit Woods - A Safe Haven
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 to create a beautiful refuge out in the countryside.
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 Meadow
Begun by Dawn the meadow is now being tended to by Wild Spirit Woods CIC . It is in the early stages with many saplings including native and fruit trees. There is a bench placed by Dawn to sit and look out over the Cheshire Plain, and a stone circle and hearth created by Amanda Claire. In time a pond, and other things, will be added.
The Wild 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. There is limited access to the heart of the woods in order to protect the wildlife and semi ancient woodland floor.
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 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.
Community activities are held regularly on site for adults, children and their families.
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 team, and maybe our founder too, and take part in conservation activities and support activities for our local community groups.
Dawn 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 planning AST's home the 'universitree campus' where people come to commune, learn and be inspired by trees and nature.
Dedicated To Dawn
Dedication To Dawn from Amanda Claire.
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.
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We express our gratitude to Lionel Cox, her widower, who continues to support her vision enabling Wild Spirit Woods CIC volunteers to care for the land with love and dedication. Without whom this wild seed, this germination of flowering possibilities, would not be possible.
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We also extend our deep gratitude to our supporters including Vikki Allen, Alex Bell, Ali Dav, Andy J Jones and his wife Sarah, Clare White and Ginette Rough. See our role of honour page for more supporters!
Below is a photo of the two dear friends, Dawn and Amanda, together.
Thank you To Our Patron Mr Andy Wild​​​​
