Aim

To work with our local community to co-create a new community green space for recreation, health, wellbeing, education and nature.

Woodland, Wetland and Wildlife for All

We have completed a successful first phase of this project which included clearing the area which was left to overgrow for 30 years! We are now seeking funding to continue the planned works on the 10 Acre site and below you can see what our final goal is!

Continued Community Involvement

We want to involve our local community in the planning and design of the new 10-acre community Wetland & Woodland community space and Industrial Sculpture Trail on land owned by our charity that is currently not used. 

We are engaging with the local community, schools and other groups through a variety of methods to co-create the new community space, and recruit volunteers to help us deliver the design aspirations on the ground, getting input from all so the project can be as accessible and relevant as possible.

Funding will enable us to employ a part time project officer and to train and equip volunteers with the skills and equipment they will need for the project. These rural work-based skills can be used to improve volunteers' chances when seeking paid employment in the future. Alongside will be the development of countryside management and artisan skills such as dry stone walling, water & wildlife management.

Back to Nature

This project has already seen an increase in the bio-diversity for the area. The continuation to the next stage if this project will see the introduction of new Bird & Bat Boxes, pollinator meadow, woodland space, and greater wetland area. We are working alongside specialists in the field to make sure that we have the best impact possible on the environment around and we are going into this project with care and consideration for the current environment of the Mill Pond area. We will be teaming up with the 'Connecting the Culm' project which aims to improve response to the impacts of climate change on flooding and drought in this area.

UK's First Industrial Sculpture Park

We will also source innovative artists to create the UK's first Industrial Sculpture Park as part of our community woodland trail. We will commission a group of artists to create sculptures using industrial materials reflecting the heritage of the Coldharbour Mill site while creating beautiful art for all to enjoy. This will complement the restoration of the 18th century waterways, sluice gates and irrigation system within the space.

Access for All

Our project is based around a fully inclusive & accessible concept with access ramps to our raised pond area giving everyone the chance to explore and enjoy the space. The Woodland area will also include a Tramper Buggy Route to give as much access to the project as possible following successful funding for this element by the Claire Milne Foundation and the Heritage Ability Project.

Open Air Events

Our new community area will include an open-air roofed structure for outside events, classes and activities to engage schools, special interest groups and other education groups. This will be an innovative facility for heritage and artisan skills to maximise potential use of the space and impact the experience of visitors, schools and groups. This will be an adventurous space for all weathers where people can connect with nature, learn new skills and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings!

Why Us?

Coldharbour Mill's mission is to educate and inspire future generations, by conserving the past, and the Millpond is part of our industrial heritage and should be restored in a way that makes sure we do not lose part of our natural heritage.

But this project is not about the past as much as it is about the now, and the future. It is important to Coldharbour Mill Trust that we create an area here which can become a vibrant and vital space which is truly inspirational.

We have been working tirelessly over the past years to make sure we are getting the best possible advice for the project and making sure it is the right project for the area and now we can say we believe it is.

Anyone who reads about this project will find an element which is important to them and that they would enjoy being a part of. We feel we are in the best possible position to move this project forward and we hope you can show us your support!

This project successfully funded on 7th October 2020