Discovering Windsor Hill Wood: A Haven of Tranquillity

On Thursday, 4th July, Open Mental Health (OMH) attended an open afternoon at Windsor Hill Wood (WHW). This serene, therapeutic refuge is a safe haven for people overcoming mental health issues, addiction, and other life challenges. Many of their guests suffer from anxiety or depression; some have been homeless, while others have lost confidence and need a bit of respite to regain their sense of self-worth. Whatever their reason for coming, guests learn new skills that help them contribute to the community and prepare them for an independent life once their time in the woodlands is done.

Originally founded by Tobias Jones, the community’s first warden, and his wife, Francesca, in 2010, WHW has grown into a thriving therapeutic community. Tobias and Francesca moved to Italy in 2017, handing over to Chris and Katharine Thompson, who recently handed over to Toby and Helen Hime, the current leaders.

An Extended Family of Guests

Four or five guests usually live at WHW at any one time. Some might stay only for a long weekend; others for several months or even as long as a year. Guests come from many backgrounds, all over the UK and sometimes overseas. Although founded on religious principles, people of all or no faith are welcome.

WHW works to ensure that all guests feel accepted and encouraged in what they view as a diverse, creative and hospitable extended family.

As one person recovering at WHW said, “Here is unconditional love; I am accepted for who I am.”

Guests participate in activities like growing food and managing the woodland; although they produce as much of their own food as possible, WHW emphasises interdependence over self-sufficiency. Helen Hime remarked, “We are more interested in interdependence than independence.”

OMH Funding for a New Woodland Retreat

WHW’s warden, volunteers, and guests have been busy building a new Woodland Retreat funded by an OMH grant. The building will host activities like green woodworking, weaving, pottery, art therapy, and mindfulness sessions.

Katharine Thompson noted, “We will use the Woodland Retreat for rural and woodland crafts and other group activities. It will also be available for hire by local groups, providing an income stream and promoting sustainability.”

The work hasn’t been without challenges. Heavy rain over the winter months caused leaks in the original blockwork and roof that set progress back and needed repair. However, as you will see from the pictures, the building work is coming along nicely.

Twenty WHW guests and residents, all vulnerable adults, made meaningful contributions to the design, construction, and decorative aspects of the Woodland Retreat. Their skills, ideas, energy, and expertise have developed the Retreat from the ground up, generating a sense of camaraderie and resilience.

A Space for the Whole Community

When finished, the Woodland Retreat will include electricity, running water, internet, a kitchen area, a compost toilet, and a car park with disabled access, ensuring a wide range of people can enjoy it.

Numerous organisations have already shown interest in using the facility, including an art therapy group, NHS Wells, an equine therapy and coaching group, and OMH partner Chard WATCH.

One group will use the space several days every week, and others will run blocks of courses. WHW will use the Retreat for wellbeing groups on a weekly basis as a therapeutic space for woodland crafts and art therapy. All in all, as many as 200 people per year will benefit from the new building.

The Therapeutic Value of Nature

The quiet beauty of Windsor Hill Wood adds to its appeal. There is a sense of calmness. The gentle rustling of leaves, colourful wildflowers, and the tranquil atmosphere offer a perfect backdrop for healing and reflection. The staff, while not counsellors or therapists, believe that the work itself is the therapy. Guests engage in meaningful activities that build a sense of accomplishment and peace.

A guest said, “Disappearing into the woodland helps me to breathe easily.”

And another noted that, “Living through the seasons, so close to the seasons, has helped me have a more healthy perspective on life.”

WHW faced an unexpected challenge when a fox claimed their chickens the night before the open afternoon. Despite this, the staff remained calm, demonstrating their resilient mindset. The site features a high-tech log burner in a custom-built outbuilding and includes various animals, including a friendly pig.

An Open Afternoon and an Open Invitation

The open afternoon was a fascinating glimpse into the life of WHW’s supportive community environment. Here, people form a close-knit network, sharing their recovery journeys and experiences. Residents, volunteers and guests radiate a sense of inclusivity and warmth.

WHW is seeking volunteers with woodland or construction skills to help out on Wednesday afternoons. If you can support and expand their work, get in touch with them and put your talents to use in a beautiful and restful place.