Deneholme woods is a special site for invertebrates, there are birds galore, wandering roe deer and if your fortunate you may see a red squirrel. We are going to improve access and create a woodland hide to view wildlife. We will run woodland management workshops, community engagement events, and undertake loads of citizen science. Walking amongst fallen leaves, the scent of wild garlic wafts in the air, the yaffle of a woodpecker turns to a drumming, you pass between the holly trees, there's a wooden bench to rest upon. You spy through the slatted wood of the viewing hide, there are siskins and redpoll, you can identify them now because of the birding course you attended in the woods. A cheeky little red squirrel descends a scots pine and opens the feeder to retrieve a hazel nut. You feel proud knowing that you have directly supported the improvements of this wonderous woodland, through giving to Fawside's crowdfund.

What we'll deliver:

• Easier access into the woods for everyone
• Wildlife feeding station to conserve rare species
• Citizen science activities to learn about the wildlife
• creation of a wildlife observation hide

Why it's a great idea:

Through our community engagement events we will promote the benefits of being in the great outdoors, for physical and mental health. Visitors to the wood can spend time forest bathing, viewing wildlife, exercising or relaxing. We'll be offering 'Forest School' style nature events, specifically, to our village preschool, primary, and youth club. We want our youngsters to have a sense of belonging, understanding and respect for their environment through creative, inspiring sessions. Community engagement events for groups, such as the WI and the general public, will teach survey techniques, we hope that once these skills are acquired that people will use them else where in the Allen Dales. All the records collected by our volunteers will be submitted to ERIC-NE, as there are very few for our area. We'll demonstrate how to use all our senses, listening for birds, the smell and touch of plants and how to see not just look. We'll be supporting two new start up businesses through our project

Steps to get it done:

• write a management plan
• buy materials for footpaths
• hold our first volunteer day to build the new footpath
• buy materials for the wildlife hide
• build our wildlife hide
• buy bird and squirrel feeders and food
• erect the feeding station
• hold a 'Welcome to the Woods' day,
• launch our program of events

Life has changed so dramatically, we want to encourage our community to embrace the outdoors and the wonders that it beholds. We have been fortunate to have nature on our doorstep throughout lockdown, however, rural isolation has left many within our community frightened and alone. We hope, by offering exciting opportunities within Deneholme Woods that our community can start to rebuild their lives with the outdoors and nature at its heart, Allendale's Woodland Heart.