08/06/2026
Happy 1st Birthday to the Men's Wild Haven!
One year ago, we started with a mission to create a welcoming space where men could come together in nature, learn woodland skills, support one another, and build meaningful connections.
Since then, we've seen friendships grow, confidence return, new skills develop, and a supportive community take root. Together we've learned, laughed, shared meals around the fire, and created a space where men can simply be.
A huge thank you to everyone who has joined us, whether through being signposted or finding their own way to the group. Thank you for sharing your stories, and helping to shape the Haven into what it is today. We're especially grateful to Lorna Routledge, from Forestry England for helping us get the project off the ground, and to the Tees Foundation for supporting us in extending the project and reaching even more people. Although we have run the group voluntarily for the last seven months, we have pledged to keep it going indefinitely, regardless of future funding opportunities. Our aim is to extend our offer to more men, to include transport, and to work towards a full day, allowing a wider range of participants to join us. We are actively exploring funding opportunities to help make this happen.
As we look ahead, we're excited to welcome new faces, learn new skills, and continue caring for ourselves, each other, and the woodland we call home.
Here's to another year of friendship, wellbeing, woodland skills, and community. If you can help us on this journey, do get in touch.
