A place to reconnect with nature, yourself, and others, and to build something meaningful together, from the ground up. The Growforward Project is a grassroots, not-for-profit initiative dedicated to creating a tranquil hub for wellbeing, social connection, and conservation at the historic Chelfham Mill, located near Barnstaple, Devon. Our vision is to transform the 20+ acre site—situated beneath
the iconic Chelfham Viaduct and home to a dilapidated watermill and millstream—into a peaceful, wellbeing-focused community space and retreat learning centre. Nestled by the river in a stunning UNESCO Biosphere valley, the site is surrounded by ancient woodland, temperate rainforest, and a unique biodiversity found nowhere else on earth. The Growforward Project seeks to be a grounded, grassroots collaborative hub for values-driven wellness, social connection, and conservation organisations, community groups, and practitioners. In a world in desperate need of authentic and ethical wellbeing opportunities, we recognise that alone, our impact is limited—but together, the possibilities are endless. The Growforward Project is also a member of The Chelfham Valley Community, an informal group of local residents, not-for-profit land stewards, and supporters working collectively to restore the valley’s wellbeing, conservation, and heritage for the benefit of the entire North Devon community. We welcome interest from individuals, professionals, and organisations, and look forward to shaping a bright future for Chelfham Valley alongside all of you.
