The Hideaway
A nature positive green space
We have begun the creation of the Forest of Hearts Hideaway - a green space which we are transforming into a biodiverse, wildlife rich area of beauty and tranquillity, with off-grid facilities to improve wellbeing.
The Hideaway is located in a rural area of Stratford-Upon-Avon district about 2km West of the village of Snitterfield. The site is part of a 5-acre (2.02 hectares) field where the surrounding landscape is characterised by medium-large arable and pasture fields dotted with woodlands included several ancient semi natural woodlands.
The land holds historical value as it was part of RAF Snitterfield, a Second World War airfield. It was used to train Belgian aircrews and was closed in 1946.
Plans for the area includes a woodland area, 2 wildlife ponds, a butterfly bank, a wildflower meadow, forest garden and eco-friendly off grid facilities. The area will have accessible pathways to enable those with physical and learning disabilities to get out into the countryside in a safe, secluded place, which offers opportunities for talking, learning, recreation and refection.
Barn Owl Wood
We planted 654 trees to start the creation of Barn Owl Wood and to plant much needed hedgerow as part of our Plant Trees Plant hope campaign in a bid to take climate action steps and build biodiversity by providing habitats for local species of birds, other animals and insects.
Shortly after, we erected a barn owl box in a mature oak tree and made the amazing discovery of 6 Barn Owl chicks nesting. Members of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) identifies an all-female brood during a routine visit.
Hedgerow habitats
Our hedgerows play a critical role in our environment, particularly as native wildlife populations decline. They are essential for providing resources such as lush habitats and hunting grounds, creating shelter from the elements, or simply offering routes through intensive landscapes. In essence - they offer one of the few semi-natural havens left on earth!
Wildlife ponds
We have created and will manage 2 wildlife ponds to support great crested newts along with a range of other aquatic species including amphibians, invertebrates and plants.
The site lies in a strategic location for great crested newts as the species has been recorded locally (approximately 250 metres) from the site and there is good habitat connectivity.
The ponds were excavated with a 360-degree digger and spoil was moved with a dumper truck to start the beginning of a butterfly bank.
Wildflower meadow
A large area of the Field of Life will be a Wildflower Meadow to add colour and beauty as well as the nectar-rich plants helping support dwindling populations of native pollinators. The wildflower meadow will offer a valuable habitat, provide floral resources and nesting sites to hundreds of bee species, butterflies, moths and other insects. Many birds, small mammals and some amphibians also thrive on the food and shelter that a wildflower meadow provides.
Butterfly bank
A butterfly bank will be constructed from subsoil excavated from the ponds and will be located in the north of the site. The design construction will follow published guidelines from the Butterfly Conservation to maximise opportunities for breeding butterfly species.
It will have a maximum height of 1 metre and a width of 2 metres. The bank will be sown with a wildflowers seed mix suitable for butterflies and will be managed to maintain a suitable breeding habitat for butterflies which will be undertaken by volunteers. Discover more about the butterfly bank here.
Forest garden
The Forest Garden area will consist of edible plants and will be created as a series of fruit tree guilds demonstrating the value of herbs, medicinal plants, fruit bushes, climbing plants and perennial vegetables. The layout of the forest garden is designed to provide accessible paths, with over 100 varieties of edible plants, shrubs and trees will provide a wonderfully sustainable agroforestry project, which is designed for education, enjoyment and engagement.
Facilities
Our vision is for an affordable, beautiful and inclusive outdoor space with high quality facilities including an outdoor kitchen area with a pizza oven and accessible toilet which local organisations and clubs can hire for exclusive use to meet their own objectives and improve the health and wellbeing.
Beneficiaries
Our volunteers
Corporate groups
Therapy/support groups
Referrals from local mental health services
Local charities and organisations
School groups
Gardening groups
