The Hurst Farm Heritage Trail is restoring and improving access to 14.4 hectares of woodland adjacent to the Hurst Farm Estate.

The site’s biodiversity is being enhanced through carefully thinning non-native and diseased trees and re-planting 800 new native trees. Around 3,000 aquatic and wildflower plugs will also be planted to help create a habitat for reptiles.

The project is also:

• repairing existing stone footpaths to provide safe, accessible routes through the woodland
• restoring views of the Wishing Stone, a landscape feature special to many local residents
• supporting heritage crafts by commissioning new sections of drystone walling and using traditional horse logging techniques to remove timber

Connecting local people with the landscape

Physical and digital interpretation, including trails, will help visitors understand the site’s heritage. Varied volunteering, training and engagement opportunities are supporting residents to care for the woodland. And to ensure the project’s continuing legacy, Hurst Farm Green Estate, a Community Benefit Society owned and operated by local people, has been established to care for the landscape.

Marie Schmidt, Estate Regeneration Manager at Derbyshire Dales District Council said: "This project aims to protect the heritage and local community woodland for the future. That's why we want to connect local residents to this precious heritage and natural resource, to ensure it is cared for.

“To do this we want to create a sustainable framework via social enterprise and volunteers that can look after and protect the heritage, the woodland and the habitats long term. Building a strong volunteer network will help us ensure future generations can continue to enjoy this precious natural resource and that local wildlife and plants can thrive."

Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director for England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The committee that awarded this funding recognised the applicant’s thorough planning which demonstrated they had the support, skills and experience to deliver a high-quality project.”