https://sophie-hardcastle.com Sophie Hardcastle Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:53:14 +0000 https://sophie-hardcastle.com en https://sophie-hardcastle.com/index Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:30:22 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/index <img width="1417" height="2126" width_o="1417" height_o="2126" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0a7268dbbac3026b5443d2acaf886caa48f1e933fd427eebc3db6bf8439201e9/R0005968.jpg" data-mid="227272961" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0a7268dbbac3026b5443d2acaf886caa48f1e933fd427eebc3db6bf8439201e9/R0005968.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7310d50037125bc0db8afcf9b6669d1688ac155c5a8f69328a85c60f43467ee7/R0006033.jpg" data-mid="227272962" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7310d50037125bc0db8afcf9b6669d1688ac155c5a8f69328a85c60f43467ee7/R0006033.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" 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data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/41796abb74cf249ccab902847e4ce94f8f8844af605d9eb8b956cea37b198607/IMG_20190829_092239.jpg" data-mid="222926223" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/41796abb74cf249ccab902847e4ce94f8f8844af605d9eb8b956cea37b198607/IMG_20190829_092239.jpg" /> https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Information Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:30:23 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Information <img width="2048" height="1362" width_o="2048" height_o="1362" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e9b5daf7ae6f4554d6c84fee0b76aaaf0abec901373b39d794c77598e4683d6f/13089352904_2a40bd6230_k.jpg" data-mid="227281204" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e9b5daf7ae6f4554d6c84fee0b76aaaf0abec901373b39d794c77598e4683d6f/13089352904_2a40bd6230_k.jpg" /> I’m Sophie! I’m a collaborative designer creating processes and projects to involve people in designing things. I’m interested in creating pioneering, experimental and critical approaches to collaborative design and creating site, project and community specific methodologies. All of my work seeks to explore and test new ways of co-creating, co-producing and co-designing things together and expand methodologies of collaboration, deliberation, decision making, conflict resolution and collective action. At the moment, I'm focusing my energy on developing collaborative design approaches to green spaces, gardens and natural landscapes and am studying both horticulture and permaculture to inform my developing practice.&nbsp; https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Holly-Hill-Re-discovered-2025 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:56:19 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Holly-Hill-Re-discovered-2025 <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b8e0851250485c1351796e018acff88439466dc01506d98e4cde656cde2826e1/IMG_2229.jpg" data-mid="241266899" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b8e0851250485c1351796e018acff88439466dc01506d98e4cde656cde2826e1/IMG_2229.jpg" /> <img width="1600" height="1204" width_o="1600" height_o="1204" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7b845725a4cbfcec8d3216ab9985a68c4be6bd4df8d56a4c309c1b45f7fa1175/PHOTO-2025-08-18-16-46-52-6.jpg" data-mid="241266900" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7b845725a4cbfcec8d3216ab9985a68c4be6bd4df8d56a4c309c1b45f7fa1175/PHOTO-2025-08-18-16-46-52-6.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8f997336254ac6451fa21ddcd57dd821141b549bba0900fa6addb25c9f29a94b/IMG_2216.jpg" data-mid="241267099" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8f997336254ac6451fa21ddcd57dd821141b549bba0900fa6addb25c9f29a94b/IMG_2216.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4f2100f5530744361b3678c4fd6b6396db59484b191a247685dd337241a58157/IMG_2253.JPG" data-mid="241267096" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4f2100f5530744361b3678c4fd6b6396db59484b191a247685dd337241a58157/IMG_2253.JPG" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b8a2418bca75442926bb2f872edb134e1e87ef4fe6bc63eb293f49153d9df9f9/image00001.jpeg" data-mid="241267072" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b8a2418bca75442926bb2f872edb134e1e87ef4fe6bc63eb293f49153d9df9f9/image00001.jpeg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0712d22fe833317b18442d72a6e5c32bab00fc6d0a74eb430f010de7b7f9751b/IMG_1925.jpg" data-mid="241267062" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0712d22fe833317b18442d72a6e5c32bab00fc6d0a74eb430f010de7b7f9751b/IMG_1925.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cfb621f84c695a99ecd4c8ae58503b70aa16b56ba9974d50e40dc0c0f45773c2/IMG_2195.JPG" data-mid="241267073" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cfb621f84c695a99ecd4c8ae58503b70aa16b56ba9974d50e40dc0c0f45773c2/IMG_2195.JPG" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fbd033547383cb1c1a94bf94c7824cb2e46ac8197102cd734fb35b0269d30a5e/IMG_1944.jpg" data-mid="241267128" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fbd033547383cb1c1a94bf94c7824cb2e46ac8197102cd734fb35b0269d30a5e/IMG_1944.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="1125" width_o="1500" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d8024a772fc309666e336ab25034984adb5117c40ee5e2a31e58d2d23a4412f0/HH3.jpg" data-mid="241267134" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d8024a772fc309666e336ab25034984adb5117c40ee5e2a31e58d2d23a4412f0/HH3.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5b9aa973486a3390d7e12e24b567b49693326346c53eae3fb58c99d21429f9d4/IMG_2192.JPG" data-mid="241267071" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5b9aa973486a3390d7e12e24b567b49693326346c53eae3fb58c99d21429f9d4/IMG_2192.JPG" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a1df92a2ad901efb9c00c0154595b0e172bc58c7e5ed11cf9acf12fcfe59d6db/IMG_2269.jpg" data-mid="241267097" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a1df92a2ad901efb9c00c0154595b0e172bc58c7e5ed11cf9acf12fcfe59d6db/IMG_2269.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c0f583efc9bf7df548a3df72aed52ae7ca15a1b0e1b48abfcbd215169139cbd/IMG_2231.jpg" data-mid="241267098" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8c0f583efc9bf7df548a3df72aed52ae7ca15a1b0e1b48abfcbd215169139cbd/IMG_2231.jpg" /> Name: Holly Hill Re-discovered Date: 2025 Location: Fareham, Hampshire, UK Client: Arkwood Landscape Architects &amp; Fareham Council Collaborators: Ancasta Grove Care Home, Disabled People’s Voice, Ducklings Forest School, Gosport Access Group &amp; Disability Forum,&nbsp;Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Holly Hill Runners,&nbsp;The Forest Bathing Company&nbsp; Arkwood Landscape Architects are working with Fareham Borough Council to develop plans to restore Holly Hill Woodland Park. It’s a unique and historic 35-hectare site, once a Victorian landscaped garden and todayhome to parkland, woodlands and a series of interconnecting ponds, lakes and water features made from Pulhamite stone. I was commissioned to design and deliver an engagement process to understand how people use, value, and imagine the future of the park. I worked closely with members of the local community, hosting events and workshops, to capture a rich picture of what makes Holly Hill so cherished, and what might support more people to ‘Re-discover Holly Hill’ in the future. Central to the methodology was in-depth involvement of people living with disabilities. Finding temporary ways to overcome access barriers (through the provision of adequate toilets, mobility aids and human support), I brought people on-site to experience it’s qualities and together take seriously what needed to be done to make the site more accessible in the future. This established task team has since been assembled and commissioned by the council to improve accessibility in other areas in Fareham. The work uncovered clear opportunities to support the park’s long-term restoration: improving accessibility, creating gentle ways for people to learn about the landscape, strengthening connections to surrounding neighbourhoods and offering more ways for children, families, and volunteers to get involved. The findings will guide the development of a community-rooted restoration plan and hopes to build a local network of people who feel connected to, responsible for, and excited about Holly Hill’s future. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Commemorative-Royal-Mail-Woodland-2025 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:30:23 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Commemorative-Royal-Mail-Woodland-2025 <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2ca6d58be1e2599cd2ed0fd9b1055fe20ffbef78ad56ca7e32fdfff04934ca3e/IMG_1088.jpeg" data-mid="241261683" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2ca6d58be1e2599cd2ed0fd9b1055fe20ffbef78ad56ca7e32fdfff04934ca3e/IMG_1088.jpeg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4b4b334a7eaa5f133c2b1f4a5c5005b6ea6022a1f06d3c593736cdd592bc7654/IMG_1106.jpeg" data-mid="241261684" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4b4b334a7eaa5f133c2b1f4a5c5005b6ea6022a1f06d3c593736cdd592bc7654/IMG_1106.jpeg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b215332629a512ef3e33c048c684a1f4e88d3619004091040a2d714b15b264fa/IMG_1043.jpeg" data-mid="241261550" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b215332629a512ef3e33c048c684a1f4e88d3619004091040a2d714b15b264fa/IMG_1043.jpeg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7bba0379c3cdd6af64378cf3b27bb66b24c7c7a8db629229a686990c45b88d14/IMG_2944.jpg" data-mid="241261686" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7bba0379c3cdd6af64378cf3b27bb66b24c7c7a8db629229a686990c45b88d14/IMG_2944.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4527b2e03a20524f3792199b07213fa3b4474d3f5f535303cff7ff0423e64028/IMG_2889.jpg" data-mid="241261688" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4527b2e03a20524f3792199b07213fa3b4474d3f5f535303cff7ff0423e64028/IMG_2889.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1fa958b9821015b11671b34b0862af39d18d3caea2d76986cbe7afdc34aa5ed3/IMG_2855.JPG" data-mid="241263949" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1fa958b9821015b11671b34b0862af39d18d3caea2d76986cbe7afdc34aa5ed3/IMG_2855.JPG" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fd344444c539dd1bb7967d1d48091ede67fa90fdf78b1cb179009b7e8f697de5/IMG_2977.JPG" data-mid="241263950" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fd344444c539dd1bb7967d1d48091ede67fa90fdf78b1cb179009b7e8f697de5/IMG_2977.JPG" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a3a2933470cbd8890baf33b51cf6126eedd0a6b3d779b4cb1fad745e9e1c8ac9/IMG_2872.jpg" data-mid="241263987" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a3a2933470cbd8890baf33b51cf6126eedd0a6b3d779b4cb1fad745e9e1c8ac9/IMG_2872.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1b92b3b97c03e5c2a7d0fb9f3e0f9ecf96656febc213ace5a0ca07047f97d6ac/IMG_2946.jpg" data-mid="241261690" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1b92b3b97c03e5c2a7d0fb9f3e0f9ecf96656febc213ace5a0ca07047f97d6ac/IMG_2946.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3c56896fed86b310078f512a44ed2cf4d2b9199ccdc26fd78c9074f0cc83a260/IMG_2969.jpg" data-mid="241263988" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3c56896fed86b310078f512a44ed2cf4d2b9199ccdc26fd78c9074f0cc83a260/IMG_2969.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c100fdc75c2cab87edbe46df710bbb87f18ab314c0970f5c04ef73291d804a85/IMG_2965.jpg" data-mid="241261692" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c100fdc75c2cab87edbe46df710bbb87f18ab314c0970f5c04ef73291d804a85/IMG_2965.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dda96e51fc74a3af6af4ead34d84ad092dc75c6d5dcee33f8733e821bc218c6f/IMG_2837.jpg" data-mid="241263947" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dda96e51fc74a3af6af4ead34d84ad092dc75c6d5dcee33f8733e821bc218c6f/IMG_2837.jpg" /> Name: Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Royal Mail Woodland Date: 2025 Location: St Helens, Lancashire, UK Client: Mersey Forest &amp; Royal Mail Collaborators: Mike Walker of Start Creative CIC, Community by Nature and St Helens Brownies &amp; Scouts The Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Royal Mail Woodland was founded by Royal Mail for the Queen's Green Canopy initiative to mark the Platinum Jubilee. It forms part of Bold Forest Park, a 300-hectare network of accessible woodlands that provide valuable habitats for a rich variety of wildlife. Local artist Mike Walker and I were commissioned to collaboratively design a sequence of new sculptures for the woodland, with the goal of encouraging people to explore and connect with the landscape. We held a series of workshops, inviting Brownies and Scouts to use found and foraged materials to create multi-media collages of potential new designs. Their ideas were shared in a community showcase using an overhead projector, allowing the children to see their designs brought to life. This led to the emergence of two main concepts, each weaving together several of the children’s design ideas. Following their fabrication, we brought the groups of children together to celebrate their sculptures on-site, whilst indulging in some hot chocolate and autumnal woodland exploring! https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Ginnel-Garden-Guidebook-2025 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:53:14 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Ginnel-Garden-Guidebook-2025 <img width="1860" height="1314" width_o="1860" height_o="1314" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/23352077b2a7dd9ffe557af023559de822eea64627aedd8ed99f5049c4ebf3b8/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.11.png" data-mid="241311976" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/23352077b2a7dd9ffe557af023559de822eea64627aedd8ed99f5049c4ebf3b8/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.11.png" /> <img width="1860" height="1318" width_o="1860" height_o="1318" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3393100366b8779101f73aae8b3a2ec7659c81c0cd0591222452bf67f780d73f/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.24.png" data-mid="241311977" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3393100366b8779101f73aae8b3a2ec7659c81c0cd0591222452bf67f780d73f/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.24.png" /> <img width="1858" height="1316" width_o="1858" height_o="1316" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/91b3ffd422d63e9b37356d4745e7cf32db9613b9e34124032d0cd52fa5c54cae/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.36.png" data-mid="241311978" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/91b3ffd422d63e9b37356d4745e7cf32db9613b9e34124032d0cd52fa5c54cae/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.36.png" /> <img width="1862" height="1318" width_o="1862" height_o="1318" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9e02b52db1b0da5a41e4791f69a3c1b369b8fd4643280540d7ed0e52f2cbd774/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.49.png" data-mid="241311979" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9e02b52db1b0da5a41e4791f69a3c1b369b8fd4643280540d7ed0e52f2cbd774/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.49.png" /> <img width="1862" height="1318" width_o="1862" height_o="1318" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81544af5ffb27892b7eee7d00efbce0140ceade781aa69a1094faabcea496689/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.57.png" data-mid="241311980" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/81544af5ffb27892b7eee7d00efbce0140ceade781aa69a1094faabcea496689/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.56.57.png" /> <img width="1864" height="1316" width_o="1864" height_o="1316" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d1e2fa30b01cdbcbf32ef0b4de2b4f1e64a06bb88f483d7f0e6962ba878a4c4d/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.07.png" data-mid="241311981" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d1e2fa30b01cdbcbf32ef0b4de2b4f1e64a06bb88f483d7f0e6962ba878a4c4d/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.07.png" /> <img width="1864" height="1318" width_o="1864" height_o="1318" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ff3ebca7a3f2b21d454da79ae0391a587107e02fbe89796cb23f2c6bb4736e38/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.19.png" data-mid="241311982" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ff3ebca7a3f2b21d454da79ae0391a587107e02fbe89796cb23f2c6bb4736e38/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.19.png" /> <img width="1862" height="1318" width_o="1862" height_o="1318" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2e72f4ef5ca647b90e83e21fd175ecfc2372b882d45c659dd7d0fce186700737/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.28.png" data-mid="241311983" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2e72f4ef5ca647b90e83e21fd175ecfc2372b882d45c659dd7d0fce186700737/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-10.57.28.png" /> Date: Ginnel Garden Guidebook Date: 2025 Location: Bradford, UK Client: Street Space &amp; Bradford Public Health Collaborators: Lister Park Action Group I was commissioned by Street Space to design a new Ginnel Garden Guidebook. This project was part of a larger programme, funded by the Bradford District Public Health team, aimed at encouraging people to connect with nature by establishing gardens in their back-alleys and ginnels. Working closely with the Lister Community Action Group, we developed an engaging and dynamic resource that aimed to empower local residents across Bradford District to identify and transform neglected, unused neighbourhood spaces into vibrant pocket parks for both the community and nature. The Guidebook serves as a prototype, currently being tested across Bradford District, to gather feedback to explore what additional support community members might require to drive local transformation of unloved or unused public spaces. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Forest-Lane-Park-Restoration-Project-2024 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:39:35 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Forest-Lane-Park-Restoration-Project-2024 <img width="945" height="630" width_o="945" height_o="630" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b79913a051ba16e4bae467693d5246d159276ae94fcafc6feec8392ce6f2c275/R0005971.jpg" data-mid="241268959" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/945/i/b79913a051ba16e4bae467693d5246d159276ae94fcafc6feec8392ce6f2c275/R0005971.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ca95846181ab92d6efb82518ebed65ec101f8f1cb39fe0119b45f54045febe13/R0006024.jpg" data-mid="241268962" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ca95846181ab92d6efb82518ebed65ec101f8f1cb39fe0119b45f54045febe13/R0006024.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/85eab43181a9ac10aaa4ecc5cc013fd2dd420c5c3336920aa7b3434d0047ef11/R0006028.jpg" data-mid="241268964" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/85eab43181a9ac10aaa4ecc5cc013fd2dd420c5c3336920aa7b3434d0047ef11/R0006028.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4d8af4ff4011d4980b1d70efa7f1e7de84889d14094127e731c12ef0a6065be3/R0006073.jpg" data-mid="241270301" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4d8af4ff4011d4980b1d70efa7f1e7de84889d14094127e731c12ef0a6065be3/R0006073.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/496fd8ed08c9995a6c6c18e95e4f6e16b462936340c6bd72b966126b70720c8b/R0006032.jpg" data-mid="241268970" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/496fd8ed08c9995a6c6c18e95e4f6e16b462936340c6bd72b966126b70720c8b/R0006032.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="945" width_o="1417" height_o="945" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a15504d249c8cd9582ebc48b5d735fc5e5c1004a815c43efb8f28c6c9033b15e/R0006033.jpg" data-mid="241268967" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a15504d249c8cd9582ebc48b5d735fc5e5c1004a815c43efb8f28c6c9033b15e/R0006033.jpg" /> <img width="4408" height="2931" width_o="4408" height_o="2931" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/64162038a4b48dfe166f9037dfc549b4af952e891f89c86ea7b26fd31645b4fe/ForestLaneParkJanuary2025EmmaBentleyFox-18.jpg" data-mid="241279919" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/64162038a4b48dfe166f9037dfc549b4af952e891f89c86ea7b26fd31645b4fe/ForestLaneParkJanuary2025EmmaBentleyFox-18.jpg" /> <img width="1452" height="964" width_o="1452" height_o="964" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/65d732dab161c8054f2f746dab37d8af0b29a6c479bcd92498ea54e28227699f/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.35.png" data-mid="241274234" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/65d732dab161c8054f2f746dab37d8af0b29a6c479bcd92498ea54e28227699f/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.35.png" /> <img width="4512" height="3000" width_o="4512" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/42eac98198a2ff8d04d15ec276e5a028db069ce924359f03df514de06edc571f/ForestLaneParkJanuary2025EmmaBentleyFox-71.jpg" data-mid="241279926" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/42eac98198a2ff8d04d15ec276e5a028db069ce924359f03df514de06edc571f/ForestLaneParkJanuary2025EmmaBentleyFox-71.jpg" /> <img width="872" height="630" width_o="872" height_o="630" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f32e36d7f54017a4309d1b2bd52bbcd2fd5e3f499a2f2b64351ce6dd324018ea/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-17.17.58.png" data-mid="241279954" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/872/i/f32e36d7f54017a4309d1b2bd52bbcd2fd5e3f499a2f2b64351ce6dd324018ea/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-17.17.58.png" /> <img width="1438" height="1006" width_o="1438" height_o="1006" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc73a68430855868875d6c626b0599daaf29a6b6f34a322703ed9e572fddc524/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.26.png" data-mid="241274075" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc73a68430855868875d6c626b0599daaf29a6b6f34a322703ed9e572fddc524/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.26.png" /> <img width="1052" height="758" width_o="1052" height_o="758" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/92a6e5921ba6a1950aaef01a0af22cb176c9ea267854a2759e17e121709927f4/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.17.png" data-mid="241279937" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/92a6e5921ba6a1950aaef01a0af22cb176c9ea267854a2759e17e121709927f4/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-15.59.17.png" /> Name: Forest Lane Park Restoration Project Date: 2024 Location: Newham, London, UK Client: Arkwood Landscape Architects &amp; Newham Council Collaborators: Neandra Etienne &amp; Matt Ponting I was commissioned by Arkwood Landscape Architects and the London Borough of Newham to lead community engagement for the Forest Lane Park Restoration Project and the co-design of a new sculpture celebrating local activist Lucel Tate. From July to November 2024, I worked closely with residents, community groups and local creatives to uncover the park’s hidden histories, understand how people use and experience the space, and gather ideas to shape the emerging restoration plans. Through pop-ups, workshops, oral history interviews, creative sessions with Caribbean Elders, and a Black History Month exhibition, the project engaged more than 350 people. The insights generated highlight what local people value most about the park: its biodiversity; tranquility, and deep sense of heritage, while surfacing barriers like safety concerns, maintenance issues and a lack of visibility and identity. The engagement work has helped form a community-rooted brief for the future of the park: enhancing natural ecosystems, improving accessibility and safety, celebrating its layered histories, reinstating and reimagining the Lucel Tate statue. The findings now guide the next phase of design, ensuring the restoration plans and new sculptures are grounded in the ideas of local people. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-03-2025 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:12:38 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-03-2025 <img width="1500" height="1125" width_o="1500" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0afcaa3bfdae226c2e1647da03e3e22d4d0cb26945d7c4347b7a383583839df6/09-cal.jpg" data-mid="241282793" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0afcaa3bfdae226c2e1647da03e3e22d4d0cb26945d7c4347b7a383583839df6/09-cal.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="1125" width_o="1500" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3ad7dc6048d6809bdaf738fa2031b80bb3d9248cfccb617904a024dcb2abec18/01-cAL.jpg" data-mid="241283185" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3ad7dc6048d6809bdaf738fa2031b80bb3d9248cfccb617904a024dcb2abec18/01-cAL.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="1125" width_o="1500" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b9a447926ed54294a66e98b26e6956715110011dcfbdece10a24dc51f2270913/10-cal-.jpg" data-mid="241283190" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b9a447926ed54294a66e98b26e6956715110011dcfbdece10a24dc51f2270913/10-cal-.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/641c411edcf5a001b82897eca91b59d30093156dac940f372b48c0441ac379fe/IMG_1704.jpg" data-mid="241283684" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/641c411edcf5a001b82897eca91b59d30093156dac940f372b48c0441ac379fe/IMG_1704.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b87ddc9ecce3d93be370d7c0ec2884de9e4651f044f59dc0b7438594f4b9f0f7/IMG_1520.jpg" data-mid="241283424" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b87ddc9ecce3d93be370d7c0ec2884de9e4651f044f59dc0b7438594f4b9f0f7/IMG_1520.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1690069e41b67c6b8d2d5b1484fb187c65a2301b5ab8d2fc6f052aeccd947451/IMG_1794.jpg" data-mid="241284106" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1690069e41b67c6b8d2d5b1484fb187c65a2301b5ab8d2fc6f052aeccd947451/IMG_1794.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="1125" width_o="1500" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c5079abda6fbbf48973487c6a85312e6fe69b6f01920d1105bafed1b4b860953/07-cal.jpg" data-mid="241283188" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c5079abda6fbbf48973487c6a85312e6fe69b6f01920d1105bafed1b4b860953/07-cal.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3e85c74f4cd2c2f33399134fff122dba51997e86f1f7866674d0e8f475e956e/IMG_1696.jpg" data-mid="241283422" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3e85c74f4cd2c2f33399134fff122dba51997e86f1f7866674d0e8f475e956e/IMG_1696.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0e677bb472818489b0b334c9d863d3a8ad53521b5ef669d3c84c1320aaaa971d/IMG_1728.jpg" data-mid="241284098" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0e677bb472818489b0b334c9d863d3a8ad53521b5ef669d3c84c1320aaaa971d/IMG_1728.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2679fbd44347776a41cab9b853dbeee615208a17206293aabd72eb365de8031d/IMG_1711.jpg" data-mid="241283692" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2679fbd44347776a41cab9b853dbeee615208a17206293aabd72eb365de8031d/IMG_1711.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2aa365308edf679ed8329eee6a81811e19853ff41412d53d1d6d339a8828c232/IMG_1862.jpg" data-mid="241283697" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2aa365308edf679ed8329eee6a81811e19853ff41412d53d1d6d339a8828c232/IMG_1862.jpg" /> <img width="5712" height="4284" width_o="5712" height_o="4284" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5d57f6a88c3225a63248d60cc6cdc6d03b1a8b9653d803789916eb6d1b126fd9/IMG_1863.jpg" data-mid="241283702" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5d57f6a88c3225a63248d60cc6cdc6d03b1a8b9653d803789916eb6d1b126fd9/IMG_1863.jpg" /> Name: West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Phase 03 Date: 2025 Location: West Yorkshire, UK Client: Street Space &amp; West Yorkshire Combined Authority Collaborators: Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group, The Fields Community Spaces, Healthy Minds Apprentices, Mary Seacole Memorial Gardens, Open Country, Support 2 Recovery and Visits Unlimited. Ahead of a region-wide public consultation, I was commissioned to lead a deep listening exercise to involve people whose experiences are often missing from environmental policy, in the development of the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (WYLNRS). Working across Bradford, Kirklees, Wakefield, Leeds and Calderdale, I partnered with local groups to co-create events that enabled meaningful conversations with a range of different people lincluding those living with disabilities; young people and women from minority ethnic backgrounds and people living in deprived areas. Despite a tight timeframe and the challenges of engaging groups who often face barriers to participation, the approach centred on collaboration, care and creating experiences that felt valuable to those taking part. Through community-led partnerships and events, people shared what nature means to them, the obstacles they face in accessing green space, and what a fairer, more inclusive approach to nature recovery might look like. These insights were synthesised into a set of clear, actionable recommendations that directly inform the WYLNRS, helping the strategy better reflect the needs, priorities and lived experiences of the communities it aims to serve. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Restoring-Ripple-Nature-Reserve-2024 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:45:00 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/Restoring-Ripple-Nature-Reserve-2024 <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c2f6281e3b2fba7fab4d3cd0f9ae4b24b5ecb4d290a9666154372e0760d9bf39/DSCF2163.jpg" data-mid="241280790" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c2f6281e3b2fba7fab4d3cd0f9ae4b24b5ecb4d290a9666154372e0760d9bf39/DSCF2163.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c091cae5be870ab8548021e948ca295994b69a02483b36944e233dd0fc5e1e13/DSCF2200.jpg" data-mid="241280791" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c091cae5be870ab8548021e948ca295994b69a02483b36944e233dd0fc5e1e13/DSCF2200.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ea3987ebb44bc5ffe9cc80457a0c22582e0fbedc5d37774677b4e6e00e8668cf/DSCF2195.jpg" data-mid="241280792" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ea3987ebb44bc5ffe9cc80457a0c22582e0fbedc5d37774677b4e6e00e8668cf/DSCF2195.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1f65dfc3d06a52fe4d41ede5458e400700c69aae06ddc819ff830cdfe75de82c/DSCF2223.jpg" data-mid="241280799" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1f65dfc3d06a52fe4d41ede5458e400700c69aae06ddc819ff830cdfe75de82c/DSCF2223.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/923b9e9c53d6499c60c016d8aee88a771c8f3590cb60d377f07568bd80238ad7/DSCF2244.jpg" data-mid="241280798" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/923b9e9c53d6499c60c016d8aee88a771c8f3590cb60d377f07568bd80238ad7/DSCF2244.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bf70d1875f69c27340c252669d287416732dc8b19e3390fb2aaa57b90a930337/DSCF2331.jpg" data-mid="241280795" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bf70d1875f69c27340c252669d287416732dc8b19e3390fb2aaa57b90a930337/DSCF2331.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dc095a9ce96cafc524955edbb171e380567d31ad970737c0f859471451a8a811/DSCF2312.jpg" data-mid="241280796" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dc095a9ce96cafc524955edbb171e380567d31ad970737c0f859471451a8a811/DSCF2312.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc89290477722e960040b5f03bcf97b8400dc027aced117a67d39a435b8cf337/DSCF2178.jpg" data-mid="241280806" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc89290477722e960040b5f03bcf97b8400dc027aced117a67d39a435b8cf337/DSCF2178.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5833ab652621f1ff738c394654fcaeaccefea773f1bbb86368051bc94ed82abe/DSCF2281.jpg" data-mid="241280794" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5833ab652621f1ff738c394654fcaeaccefea773f1bbb86368051bc94ed82abe/DSCF2281.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2fd4d2498a41bba774b6abff6588c14e56cba349427287e03c5a698df79b7387/DSCF2175.jpg" data-mid="241280812" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2fd4d2498a41bba774b6abff6588c14e56cba349427287e03c5a698df79b7387/DSCF2175.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/53b1a1507231340f8464746ff843e66f21180dff3432f6f8a76bca3bf8cebba3/DSCF2185.jpg" data-mid="241280801" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/53b1a1507231340f8464746ff843e66f21180dff3432f6f8a76bca3bf8cebba3/DSCF2185.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/31a0ee26d64b08f93633ba78276429bf5932dabdcf1908e07dd529bbe9a0e18a/DSCF2227.jpg" data-mid="241280793" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/31a0ee26d64b08f93633ba78276429bf5932dabdcf1908e07dd529bbe9a0e18a/DSCF2227.jpg" /> Name: Restoring Ripple Nature Reserve Date: 2024 Location: Newham, London, UK Client: Arkwood Landscape Architects &amp; London Borough of Barking &amp; Dagenham&nbsp; Collaborators: Friends of Ripple Nature Reserve, Thameslife Community Development Trust, Wanderwild Forest School. I was commissioned by Arkwood Landscape Architects to work with local residents, community groups and landowners to shape a shared vision for Ripple Nature Reserve, a wild and much-loved green space in Barking. Between August and October 2024, I met with 116 people through pop-ups, workshops, interviews and a forest school workshop to understand what people value about the reserve and what they hope for its future. The site comes with significant challenges: it is split between multiple landowners, including areas directly beneath National Grid pylons, and each organisation holds different priorities and ideas for its future. At the same time, the reserve has deep community roots, with local activists playing a central role in its original creation and holding a strong sense of responsibility for its care. Working closely with Arkwood, I brought these invested groups together for open, honest conversations about how the reserve could be reopened and cared for in the years ahead. People shared a strong desire to protect its wildness and biodiversity, improve safety and access, and create opportunities for ecological learning and community involvement. When I last checked in, the project was on hold due to a series of works taking place in and around the power station. Yet I hope this work will lead to getting the site open safely, for local people to access and enjoy. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-02-2024 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:43:59 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-02-2024 <img width="2480" height="2480" width_o="2480" height_o="2480" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1f5f64e337ba18fef43435892f12c274ee6cae91074e33aef95d5008189427f7/mani.jpg" data-mid="241307667" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1f5f64e337ba18fef43435892f12c274ee6cae91074e33aef95d5008189427f7/mani.jpg" /> Name: West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Phase 02 Date: 2024 Location: West Yorkshire, UK Client: West Yorkshire Combined Authority Collaborators: Greenhead College &amp; Ekaterina Sheath In this phase of developing the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, I was commissioned by the Combined Authority to explore how young people (who are often excluded from policy-making) could shape the strategy. Working ahead of the drafting process allowed us to listen to their experiences at the very beginning and form a starting point from which the policy could develop. We partnered with Greenhead College in Huddersfield to co-design a workshop that introduced the LNRS and invited students to share their ideas. A live illustrator captured the conversations as they unfolded, producing a visual manifesto that was later presented to the Combined Authority to represent their views. Young people shared that access to nature is not only about getting there, but about what they’re able to do once they arrive. They spoke about wanting nature embedded more deeply into school life: greener grounds, hands-on environmental action, and more opportunities to learn about nature through the curriculum. The manifesto now acts as a touchstone for the wider engagement process, helping ensure that young people’s priorities are carried forward into the development of the strategy. https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-01-2024 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:22:44 +0000 Sophie Hardcastle https://sophie-hardcastle.com/West-Yorkshire-Local-Nature-Recovery-Strategy-01-2024 <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/365e2abe076452ef44f505cb6de9a0ba4504a77f3403fdc37208b1b8dc82b57a/Farm_Walk_13.JPG" data-mid="241309332" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/365e2abe076452ef44f505cb6de9a0ba4504a77f3403fdc37208b1b8dc82b57a/Farm_Walk_13.JPG" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8f8277440e3a9278b906d84e54ef2346e4fc3382b5d6fd394c8351a05390e370/IMG_5043.jpg" data-mid="241308852" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8f8277440e3a9278b906d84e54ef2346e4fc3382b5d6fd394c8351a05390e370/IMG_5043.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1536" width_o="2048" height_o="1536" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/15a693c72e3f42d01a376d49b81dedf55bb2227c87453438a1093a74fe32d7c5/PHOTO-2023-12-09-16-08-50.jpg" data-mid="241309623" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/15a693c72e3f42d01a376d49b81dedf55bb2227c87453438a1093a74fe32d7c5/PHOTO-2023-12-09-16-08-50.jpg" /> <img width="2048" height="1536" width_o="2048" height_o="1536" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4dd7c397591f70d6419d3eaa4c103d6add7d5a6ad81305b89d71450ae2eda754/PHOTO-2023-12-09-16-08-50-2.jpg" data-mid="241309624" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4dd7c397591f70d6419d3eaa4c103d6add7d5a6ad81305b89d71450ae2eda754/PHOTO-2023-12-09-16-08-50-2.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5db9bc7e889147cb4846fbe68832de6270d2a2ef2f1e56b6bb04ac16f588daa5/sheep.jpg" data-mid="241309633" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5db9bc7e889147cb4846fbe68832de6270d2a2ef2f1e56b6bb04ac16f588daa5/sheep.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1a09d0bd8b8bbcae44947e7ee74d2a1b5ced53d9ab3ec4bb6d54b1e863f8622b/Farm_Walk_27.JPG" data-mid="241309335" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1a09d0bd8b8bbcae44947e7ee74d2a1b5ced53d9ab3ec4bb6d54b1e863f8622b/Farm_Walk_27.JPG" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a70831e6cf408bd8a8e8c248e19c637047abdc040c6828922f04e68b24f3f365/Farm_Walk_15.JPG" data-mid="241309334" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a70831e6cf408bd8a8e8c248e19c637047abdc040c6828922f04e68b24f3f365/Farm_Walk_15.JPG" /> <img width="2048" height="1536" width_o="2048" height_o="1536" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a1addb9cfd09b6c9a9529ee610ae17236b796ceb4e5017b6425604ab85b67aff/PHOTO-2024-01-24-09-41-48-2.jpg" data-mid="241309599" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a1addb9cfd09b6c9a9529ee610ae17236b796ceb4e5017b6425604ab85b67aff/PHOTO-2024-01-24-09-41-48-2.jpg" /> <img width="1024" height="576" width_o="1024" height_o="576" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/45fd13c396eec46418e15984a34242d977ed53b583dccba4a31b561279c843a1/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-15-at-11.51.12.jpeg" data-mid="241309643" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/45fd13c396eec46418e15984a34242d977ed53b583dccba4a31b561279c843a1/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-15-at-11.51.12.jpeg" /> <img width="1600" height="900" width_o="1600" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5ca17af54f311c7444fe01f34414577d23f734074781c70c767dc4370a3c739f/Farm_Walk_03.jpg" data-mid="241309326" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5ca17af54f311c7444fe01f34414577d23f734074781c70c767dc4370a3c739f/Farm_Walk_03.jpg" /> <img width="1600" height="900" width_o="1600" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1439d8c01836f824bf96cfbeb36f49c2b08a7119c291b996b8f75a41f8949749/Farm_Walk_05.jpg" data-mid="241309328" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1439d8c01836f824bf96cfbeb36f49c2b08a7119c291b996b8f75a41f8949749/Farm_Walk_05.jpg" /> <img width="1600" height="900" width_o="1600" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc885129768d0fe43dfd4d093099a04304caa002dc5b7beac81556851f97f521/Farm_Walk_11.jpg" data-mid="241309331" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc885129768d0fe43dfd4d093099a04304caa002dc5b7beac81556851f97f521/Farm_Walk_11.jpg" /> Name: West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Phase 01 Date: 2024 Location: West Yorkshire, UK Client: Street Space &amp; West Yorkshire Combined Authority Collaborators: Nifty Sustainability Between November 2023 and March 2024, Street Space and Nifty Sustainability were commissioned by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to engage with farmers and landowners to inform the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy. I was commissioned by Street Space to design and deliver a deep listening programme that centred farmers’ experiences before any drafting began. This was a challenging phase of work, shaped by a long history of national policies and funding schemes that have undermined trust between farmers and government. To help bridge this gap, we worked closely with Nathan, a West Yorkshire–based farmer, who supported us to approach conversations in ways that felt respectful, grounded and genuinely useful. Over six months, we visited farms, conducted interviews, hosted workshops and events and circulated surveys. This varied approach helped us reach people with very different relationships to the land, including those who don’t usually take part in engagement, and supported honest, empathetic conversations. Farmers and landowners told us they care deeply about their culture, community and livelihoods, and want this heritage to continue for future generations. They also described significant uncertainty, conflicting schemes, and tensions around decision-making, particularly between tenant farmers and landowners. The insights from this phase were distilled into six guiding principles for the strategy, providing a grounded, locally informed foundation for building trust and ensuring that nature recovery in West Yorkshire is shaped by the people closest to the land.