About Wyldwoods

Wyldwoods was set up in September 2007 by Stephanie Brett - a teacher with many years experience in the area of special needs education and provision.

Based at Dean Corner Farmhouse near Broseley, Shropshire, the organisation is set up to "meet the needs of disadvantaged individuals through meaningful, practical, rural experiences." It aims to achieve this by offering unique opportunities in small animal care, arts and craft skills, gardening, pond dipping, nature trails and other rural activities to those for whom mainstream education can't provide suitable stimulus.

Wyldwoods also offers a range of other opportunities (you name it, we can do it!) to groups and individuals from Shropshire and the West Midlands that find themselves disadvantaged financially, geographically or socially. We are always open to suggestions for workshops, courses and talks etc - use the quick link below or write or telephone using the details on the contact us page.

The site at Dean Corner has a 3.5 acre paddock, a 40 x 16m pond, stables, workshops (about to be renovated to dry, secure rooms), a 16ft diameter Mongolian yurt (a circular tent), vegetable beds and a small woodland area. There are safe country paths and bridleways to walk, and the whole area is situated in a peaceful, idyllic spot, away from noisy roads and other buildings, yet just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Broseley.

Wyldwoods is funded through many different means. Grants from charitable trusts, individuals and companies help with many aspects of the work, and funding through partnership links with local colleges and social services make up the bulk of financial assistance.

Wyldwoods is a 'Community Interest Company' (CIC) - this means it is operated on a not-for-profit basis, just like a charity, except that its hands-on directors make operational and day-to-day descisions rather than an (often remote) board of trustees. We believe this means we can react more quickly to new situations and opportunities, have a more focussed and operational approach and make the decisions that affect our participants for ourselves. CICs are a government initiative (regulated by Companies House) set up to provide greater opportunities within the voluntary sector.

Wyldwoods is:
Stephanie Brett - founder, fund raiser, chief cook and bottle washer.
Jocelyne Fildes - company director of a highly successful local PR agency. Joss has lived and worked in the Bridgnorth area all her life. A journalist for many years, she brings modern know-how and a professional approach that is invaluable to Wyldwoods.
Unpaid Company Secretary.
Julie Pinnell - worked for many years for English Heritage and has a huge breadth of knowledge of all things rural and historic. Julie is extremely able and enthusiastic. A great asset to Wyldwoods.
Unpaid Director.

Wyldwoods is registered in England. Community Interest Company No: 06368179