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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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COMMUNITY PROJECT RECEIVES INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD
A community project on the outskirts of Lincolnshire has been recognised as an Investors in People organisation, with help from Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland.
Hill Holt Wood, a fully sustainable woodland covering 34 acres, received the award from Bill Newton-Dunn MEP at a ceremony attended by Councillor Brian Drain, Chair of North Kesteven District Council and Councillor Howard Sullivan, the Mayor of Sleaford.
The event also marked the dedication of a new all-weather footpath and the official opening by Hill Holt Wood's Patron, Lady Nevile, of several distinctive buildings, including an office constructed of straw bales, a woodwork shop and a canteen, both made with local timber.
These original designs and construction techniques are one of the reasons for Hill Holt's popularity as a recreational and educational resource, and its successful educational and job-based initiatives for 18 - 25 year olds. The project teaches curriculum-based subjects as well as offering practical training such as woodland skills and health and safety.
Karen Lowthrop, Partner at Econs, said: "As well as being recognised for its work with young people with criminal records or from difficult backgrounds, the site complements environmental and sustainability targets set by the UN and local government."
"We are hoping to become acknowledged as a centre of excellence for sustainability. We already collect and filter rainwater, use earth composting toilets, waterless urinals and battery lighting systems.
"We have planning permission for another straw bale building and are planning an earth ship community resource centre, constructed from recycled tyres, and a sand bag green woodworking building.
"The Investors in People standard is an embodiment of the values that Hill Holt Wood stands for. We wanted to reward the work of our employees and be recognised as a company that values its people.
"The project has gained great kudos from becoming an Investors in People organisation - we are one of the few training providers of this type to be recognised and are very proud of our achievement."
Councillor Sullivan presented the team with the Sleaford Town coat of arms, as a thank you and recognition of work carried out by environmental Task Force in Sleaford.
Tom Solven, the Chair of Hill Holt Wood Management Committee, the wood's community link, announced the formation of a Community controlled not for profit business to take over the business operations at the wood. This reinforces the status of Hill Holt as being at the very forefront of the new field of Social forestry. The business will be described as an example of social entrepreneurship but also a new concept Eco entrepreneurship.
Ends
For further Media Information
CONTACT Kate Downs at hopwood on 0116 254 4472
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