Welcome to Microsite – Helping Nature, Communities & Businesses Thrive
Meet a woodland at the beginning of its story
Join us for a free day of woodland adventure, nature discovery, practical skills and thoughtful conversation at Emmaus Youth Village.
Try bushcraft, archery and tomahawk throwing; follow the Green Man Nature Trail; get creative with ecology crafts; survey real trees using professional technology; or simply enjoy a guided walk and spend time in our Ideas and Reading Tent.
Whether you are coming with your family, interested in nature, already work in the environmental sector or simply want to discover somewhere new, you will be very welcome.
Emmaus Youth Village’s new 8.24-hectare community woodland brings together approximately 7,500 newly planted trees, a community orchard, native broadleaf woodland, wildflower habitats, open spaces and ponds.
This is a young woodland at the very beginning of its story. The day is an opportunity to explore how it was created, discover the wildlife it can support and learn how the landscape will be cared for as it develops.
The woodland has been designed to benefit nature while creating a lasting place for education, wellbeing, reflection and community activity.
Join Rewilding Adventure for professionally supervised outdoor challenges:
Bushcraft
Archery
Tomahawk axe throwing
Activities will be delivered under instructor guidance. Participation may be subject to age, ability, available capacity and completion of the relevant safety briefing.
Explore, play and create with OASES:
Follow the Green Man Nature Trail
Make something at the ecology craft activities
Take part in cooperative games and team challenges
Discover more about the plants, animals and habitats around you
Step into the role of a woodland professional with Microsite:
Help survey real trees using GIS and digital field technology
Learn how woodland condition and tree establishment are assessed
Join a practical woodland skills masterclass
Explore the site on a guided woodland nature and sound walk
Meet members of the team responsible for creating and maintaining the woodland
No previous experience or technical knowledge is required.
Take some time away from the busier activities in our Ideas and Reading Tent:
Browse leading books, journals and research about trees, soils, ecology, landscape and human wellbeing
Hear short talks from invited specialists
Join informal conversations and question-and-answer sessions
Meet people working across woodland creation, environmental research and community stewardship
Join the optional Rosary Walk
Hear from the Diocesan Environmental Group about caring for our common home
The detailed speaker programme and activity timetable will be published on this page once confirmed.
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026 Start time: 10:00am Venue: Emmaus Youth Village, Allensford, County Durham, DH8 9BA Admission: Free Booking: Recommended Who can attend: Everyone—families, individuals, local residents, environmental professionals and people of all faiths and none
The event will take place predominantly outdoors on natural and potentially uneven ground.
Please:
Some activities may operate as timed sessions and have limited capacity.
Admission is free, but advance booking will help us plan safe activity capacity and keep you informed about the final programme.
Please complete one booking for your household or attending group.
If you have any requirements regarding accessibility, please contact us directly so we can accommodate.
We will use your booking information to administer this event and send you relevant practical updates. We will not use it for other marketing.
Yes. There is no general admission charge.
Booking is recommended so that we can plan for attendance and keep you informed. Please book in advance if possible.
Families are welcome, but all children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. Individual activities may have age or suitability restrictions.
Not at all. Activities will be suitable for complete beginners, and instructors will explain everything you need to know.
The event is open to everyone, including people of all faiths and none. An optional Rosary Walk and environmental reflection activities will form one part of a much wider programme of adventure, nature, science, crafts and woodland learning.
Some activities may run at particular times or have limited spaces. The detailed programme will be added to this page once arrangements are finalised.
For questions, access enquiries or bookings for an organised community, school or youth group, please contact:
Peter Holder peter@microsite.co.uk
This event is being delivered with Emmaus Youth Village and the Youth Ministry Team, Rewilding Adventure, OASES, Microsite, the Diocesan Environmental Group and the North East Community Forest.