Established in 2020, the 100 Acer Wood Conservation Trust oversees a 2-5 acre wet woodland in the Cotswold National Landscape. With over 30 dedicated volunteers, the Trust achieved significant milestones in 2022 & 2023, including completing hedge-laying, establishing a tree nursery, extensive tree planting, constructing a hazel bird hide, and launching a Wildlife Watch group for children.

Moving into 2024, the Trust plans to continue its conservation efforts, focusing on planting, maintaining the ecosystem, and community engagement through events like our online AGM and Open Days. These efforts aim to further enrich the unique wet woodland environment and foster a deeper connection with nature and the local community.

Why are we raising funds?

This year, we have ambitious plans to construct a volunteer shelter modelled on a small Iron Age roundhouse. This will also provide us with the ability to host a variety of educational and cultural activities in a comfortable space, come rain or shine. The shelter will be constructed using traditional methods from natural materials, most of which will be sourced from within a mile or two of the site.

Our goal with this fundraiser is to raise £500 for the construction of the shelter. The funds raised will be used to purchase materials that we are unable to harvest from our immediate environment (sustainably sourced reeds for thatch & structural timber) and a few additional hand-tools for the volunteers.

Why the Iron Age?

We chose an Iron Age-style shelter design as we have a number of archaeologists in our team and as you may know, the local area is rich in Iron Age history and the construction methods of the time were sustainable and ecologically sound.

Purpose and Benefits:

Primarily, the shelter will be a centrepiece for a number of activities, including:

1. Story Groups: A unique, atmospheric setting for storytelling sessions, fostering a deeper connection with our cultural heritage.
2. Wildlife Watch Sessions: An immersive space for observing and learning about local wildlife, encouraging environmental awareness and stewardship.
3. Visitor and Volunteer Comfort: Offering a dry and comfortable refuge from the elements, the shelter will enhance the experience of visitors during open days and provide a much-needed shelter for our dedicated volunteers when the weather turns.
4. Library: A dry, accessible place for us to store a growing library of nature & natural history related books and educational resources for adults & children to learn more about the surroundings & our heritage.

Impact on Community and Environment:

This project not only aims to bring a piece of history to life but also serves as a testament to our commitment to conservation and community engagement. The shelter will be a symbol of the harmonious relationship between history, nature, and community, making 100 Acer Wood a more inviting and educational space for all.

How Your Contribution Helps:

Your donation will directly fund the materials required to build the shelter. By contributing, you become part of a project that celebrates our history, supports environmental education, and fosters a strong community spirit.

What We Need & What You Get

We're blending tradition with sustainability, purchasing essential materials and harnessing resources from our surroundings. The funds we raise will be dedicated to:

• A number of robust posts for the foundation of the shelter.
• Natural materials for thatching the roof in period-accurate fashion.
• Resources for crafting the wattle and daub walls from local materials.
• Essential tools and supplies to ensure a safe and authentic build.

We pledge to maintain full transparency, offering our supporters detailed updates on the project's progress and the judicious use of every pound donated.

The Impact

Your support extends beyond constructing a historical edifice; it's an investment in ecological building practices and educational enrichment. The shelter will be a testament to the power of community collaboration, connecting us to our ecological & cultural roots.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you're unable to donate financially, we welcome any assistance. Your hands-on involvement, sharing of our campaign, or simply spreading awareness are all invaluable contributions to our collective goal.

Thank you for any support you can offer. It is only together that we can turn this vision into a structure that educates and inspires for the years it will stand.

The 100 Acer Wood Team