OFFERING REFUGE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE FINDING LIFE DIFFICULT.
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At Windsor Hill Wood Refuge we offer something almost unique in the UK – a place to recover and rebuild for adults with complex needs. We are a residential refuge for people recovering from a time of crisis. Set in 10 acres of woodland on the edge of Shepton Mallet in Somerset, we seek to help to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our guests through the provision of a therapeutic living environment which offers the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the natural woodland environment, as well as learn new skills, regain self-worth, build confidence and improve life chances and employability.
Our guests are generally in addiction recovery, facing mental health challenges, they are often feeling isolated, disillusioned with their lives, and struggling to find connection in our complex modern society. We aim to support people to make lasting and positive changes to their lives and act as a stepping stone to the next stage of their life journey.
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If you or anyone you know is in a period of difficulty in your life or you'd simply like time away to re-evaluate things, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.
BEING COMMUNITY
Our warden team lives in the main house where there is also a shared communal space which consists of a large sitting and dining room, a bath/shower room and laundry room. As a Christian home offering hospitality, part of our rhythm of life includes the opportunity to pray silently together twice a day in our small but beautiful chapel. Not all have a faith and attendance is optional, as it is for our weekly bible study.
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We don't charge rent to guests though all of us contribute to a common purse for food and bills. Because some of the people here are dealing with addiction issues, the entire site is dry - meaning, of course, no alcohol - and is drug-free. We don't accept any violence, physical or verbal.
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​We generate a large proportion of our electricity from 16 solar panels. As well as this we use a bio-mass boiler and, though we have to buy wood in occasionally, much of the wood is provided from some of the trees we fell. We share the tasks involved in the management of the woodland, looking after our sheep and chickens and growing our own veg. We eat our meals together and take it in turns to cook. We host a thriving forest school and have a volunteer day every Wednesday.
​Windsor Hill Wood is what it is because of the contributions of so many, near and far, be they volunteers who help on a Wednesday, local experts on woodland management, people who make financial contributions or the wide variety of guests who stay here for just a few days or many months. All have something to give and all receive something back too. Read about everyone involved in Windsor Hill Wood on our About Us page, or find out how to support us here.
