Hope Nature Project

Located between Taunton and Bridgwater, close to the canal, Hope Nature Project has been running for almost 5 years across nearly 20 acres of 3 adjoining fields. Founded by Sue Jones and Jo Holdaway, the project is dedicated to supporting existing habitats, creating new ones, increasing biodiversity and helping people reconnect with nature.

Its aims include giving children and community groups meaningful access to the outdoors, offering people hope for a greener future, and contributing to carbon sequestration. As founder Sue explains, “We’re living in times when our planet is challenged in so many ways and to be a part of supporting our environment, even in small ways, is empowering.”

Over 3,500 trees have been planted by volunteers using Woodland Trust stock and support from Reimagining the Levels, alongside a small mixed orchard. Reclaimed tree guards and recycled wooden stakes donated by Taunton Timber have helped keep the project low‑impact and sustainable.

The old cattle shed has been repaired for storage and a volunteer tea space, a tree‑bog toilet has been built, and a water connection is now in place.

This July marks the project’s 5^th birthday, which will be celebrated by the founders, volunteers and the wider community at an open day for new supporters.

Volunteer days run regularly, and anyone interested can find details on the Hope Nature Project’s Facebook page, where you can also see film clips of the site’s varied wildlife. Additional photos are available on Instagram.