The Woodland Trust purchased the Smithills site in Bolton in 2015. It wanted to manage and develop the landscape to become more environmentally robust, and become a place where local people and visitors could escape the city.

However, with a low profile in the north of England, the Woodland Trust needed to build relationships with stakeholders in Bolton and better understand how the site is perceived.

With our experience in the environmental sector, our regional networks and our expertise in running engaging, creative and productive sessions, we facilitated a series of interactive workshops with local residents, community groups, site users and stakeholders, to provide insight into the potential for Smithills, and the role that Woodland Trust can play.