Wild Spirit Woods
A hidden haven between the Peaks and Plains In The Heart of the British Isles.
A unique conservation habitat restoration and community project and our spiritual home in East Cheshire.
Facilities hire raising funds for upkeep and to plant and protect trees.
ASTC Custodian Of Wild Spirit Woods, Congleton, East Cheshire.
The Late Dawn De Vivre, Founder of Wild Spirit Woods
It was Dawns' wish for these woods to be kept wild with a meadow orchard and places where people could meet in friendship connecting with nature with our CommuniTree.
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 discussed having 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 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 including tree planting, pond creation and more.
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!
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The Orchard Meadow Garden
Begun by Dawn the meadow garden is now being tended to by her widower Lionel Cox and the ASTC volunteers. It is in the early stages with many saplings including native and fruit trees. Magnolia trees surround a bench placed by Dawn to sit and look out over the Cheshire Plain. We have a stone circle and hearth created by Amanda Claire, our founder, complete with herb spiral designed and planted by her. In time a pond, and other things, will be added. Just as Dawn wished for.
The Wild Wood
Thronged with thousands of wildflowers, red campion, stitchwort, bluebells, wild garlic and more. Tiny paths wind through the trees. Humans are the guests here and are expected to tread very carefully. Small places will be created to contemplate the stream, flowers and trees.
A place to meet the more-than-human and the wild within and without.
Homes For Our Wild Friends
Homes for our wild friends will be 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.
Our founder Amanda Claire will hold a couple of fundraising retreats here later in 2024.
This is a place where you can meet fellow members face to face and deepen your connections with Mother Nature and the Trees.
Dawn Speaking in her own words to Founder
Amanda Claire
Featuring Whats App video messages to Amanda Claire in support of her own vision and Ancient and Sacred Trees.
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 Immense gratitude to Lionel Cox, her widower, who continues to lovingly tend her vision with love and dedication and without whom this wild seed, this germination of flowering possibilities, would not be possible.
To Book Wild Spirit Woods As A Venue
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Wild Spirit Woods Tipi is available to book for likeminded individuals and groups subject to approval. Fees go towards upkeep of the site and to fund tree planting and protection.
For free events by unpaid leaders for Volunteer Run organisations there will be No Charge.
(Donations however small are appreciated).
To enquire please fill in the BLUE form here thank you.
To Book see here BUT please do NOT pay for your booking until you have spoken to us as this is subject to approval