Ten years ago, a forgotten Victorian arboretum, overgrown with brambles and laurel, was offered, free of charge, for community use. That long-term loan, made by Woodlands.co.uk to a small team of volunteers interested in nature-based wellbeing, has since grown into Tortworth Forest Centre CIC: a thriving hub for connection, conservation, and recovery.
The offer came from Woodlands.co.uk, who are engaged in community projects across the country and had previously lent a piece of woodland in Kent to forest school pioneer Bec Briar. When Bec moved to Bristol and Woodlands.co.uk acquired Tortworth Arboretum, they saw an opportunity to offer the land for something beyond private ownership.
“When we bought Tortworth, we knew it had the potential to be more than just a private woodland,” says Angus Hanton of Woodlands.co.uk. “Rather than keep it private, we wanted to see it brought back to life by the wider community. Working in partnership with the right people, like Bec, meant it could become a place for everyone.”
And that’s exactly what happened. Now marking its 10th anniversary, Tortworth Forest Centre CIC has grown from a small idea into a nationally recognised example of how access to woodland can be transformational.
Over the past decade, the team has helped restore the arboretum and created a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can reconnect with nature and with themselves.
The centre offers inclusive volunteer sessions and a woodland wellbeing programme, which provides nature-based support for individuals facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction recovery, and social isolation.
“Access to nature and the countryside is becoming increasingly difficult for many people in urban areas due to cuts to public transport and a decline in urban natural spaces which feel safe for different demographics of people,” says Amy Walsh, Managing Director of Tortworth Forest Centre CIC.
“By loaning us the use of Tortworth Arboretum, Woodlands.co.uk have enabled us to create a place where people feel safe, supported, and able to learn new skills in heritage, conservation and wellbeing.”
People like Claire, who joined the programme after struggling with feelings of rage and alcohol dependency, often describe their time in the woods as life-changing.
She joined the project in 2023 when life felt unpredictable and heavy. “Since joining, I don’t have as much anger as I used to. I’m more relaxed,” she says. “You don’t feel judged. You can just be you.”
As demand for these kinds of spaces grows, so does the pressure on the small team running them. Tortworth is busier than ever, and the need for calm, community-based support in nature has never been more urgent.
“We’ve seen a steady rise in referrals and enquiries since COVID,” says Amy. “People are turning to nature not just for enjoyment, but because they’re struggling and there is little support available. We are exploring opportunities to increase our resources to enable us to meet the growing need for our work.”
At its heart, Tortworth Forest Centre CIC is about people and nature coming together to heal, learn, and grow. Over the past decade, the centre has transformed not only the arboretum itself but also the lives of those who come through its gates.
From volunteers helping to restore the woodland to participants finding peace and confidence in the trees, the impact is deep and lasting. With growing demand for nature-based wellbeing and education, the team at Tortworth is committed to expanding its reach, offering more opportunities for connection, recovery, and community.
“We believe that access to nature and trees is a vital part of good mental health and strong communities,” says Amy. “Our vision is to continue restoring the arboretum to create a place where people and trees thrive.”
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