Set on top of a Derbyshire hill with far-reaching views over Fritchley and South Wingfield, the Well Wood Space is made up of two woodlands, Thorpe Wood and Long Wood. There are lovely, open glades where the light filters through the leaves to the woodland floor and a public footpath meanders through, flanked by bluebells in the spring. As an invited guest, you and your group can visit the more secluded parts of the wood and experience the beating heart of this very special place.
Facilities
Parking
There's limited parking on a farm track a short walk from the Well Wood Space. However, using the network of public footpaths nearby and walking into the space at the start of your session can have real benefits for connecting with and appreciating the location.
Compost toilet
Located on top of the hill, this is definitely a loo with a view. We've installed a modesty screen and the route to the toilet is lit with solar powered lights for when it's going dark. Instructions for using the toilet are provided and we supply 'Who Gives A Crap' recycled toilet paper.
Shelter
The trees will shield from all but the most extreme weather, but we also have an open ended Nissenhut that can be used during your visit.
Fire Pit
We have a fire pit for use during weekend workshops with a supply of logs and fallen deadwood nearby.
Please note: we currently don't have running water or electricity on site so please bring drinks with you.
Woodland Management
The Well Wood Space is completely natural and that’s how we see the future of our beautiful woodland. We’ve never used any chemicals and any tree felling or maintenance is only done where it will benefit and protect the space.
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The woodland is divided into several areas that are managed differently. Some parts, away from the public areas, are dense and overgrown and have very little human intervention. With older broadleaf trees standing tall alongside standing and fallen deadwood, these pockets are a haven for wildlife. In other areas we thin out self-seeded younger trees to open up the tree canopy and encourage plant diversity, leaving any brash and deadwood to create habitats for wildlife.
The Area
The Well Wood Space overlooks the former Quaker village of Fritchley, mentioned in historical accounts about the Pentrich Martyrs and home to the oldest surviving railway tunnel in the world.
If you’re staying in the area for longer there’s plenty to do right on the doorstep. The ruins of Wingfield Manor, just over the hill, once imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots and is now part of the English Heritage estate while the other spectacular stately homes of Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Hardwick are only a short drive away. The historic spa towns of Matlock and Buxton along with the bigger hills and picturesque villages of the Peak District National Park are worth adding to your itinerary.
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Getting here
The Well Wood Space is a wooded area just off Lynam Road outside Fritchley. There is convoy parking along a farm track for up to six cars, although we always recommend parking in the village and walking in to really appreciate the area. There are buses into Crich from Matlock and Alfreton and a regular train service to Ambergate from Derby and Chesterfield. If you’re holding a weekend event we can usually arrange transfers from the village or local stations for your participants.
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Accommodation
We recommend camping on site if you’re leading or taking part in a weekend workshop at the Well Wood Space. What better way to feel your senses come alive than to sit by a crackling fire pit as the sun goes down and wake to the dawn chorus just outside your tent.
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If you want more walls with your stay, there is excellent holiday accommodation at Church Farm in the village and numerous airbnb’s nearby.
