In 2018, the 12 acres of land and woodland that are now home to Ark at Egwood – a community-led social enterprise using nature-based activity to improve mental health, build confidence and create pathways into volunteering and employment – stood empty. However, since receiving investment – including a £10,000 investment from Resonance’s Health & Wellbeing Challenge Fund, which funded essential upgrade works to the site so the provision could formally launch – the charity now provides an intergenerational, land-based therapeutic community where between 50 and 90 people of all ages and abilities visit each day. From young children to older people, many who come to Ark have experienced trauma, health challenges or exclusion, and the space supports them to improve their wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging.

Recently, Jacob Lee from our Strengthening Impact Team and Grace Moon, Assistant Communications Manager, visited the site to capture impact stories, meet participants and begin feasibility work to explore how Ark could expand its offer and prepare for future investment.

What we saw was a powerful example of how social investment can help community-led solutions flourish.

A place built on choice and dignity

Ark’s CEO, Nigel Bell, is clear about what makes the organisation different:

“Everyone that comes to Ark finds their place here.”

Choice is at the heart of the model. People choose to come, choose what they do, and take as long as they need. There are no rigid expectations and no pressure to “progress” at a set pace.

The physical design of the site reflects this philosophy. The first things visitors see are animals and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. This was intentional: animals provide a calming, non-judgemental first point of contact, helping people regulate before engaging with others.

The organisation supports people in several ways:

1 From seed to plate: food, skills and community

A Resonance Cost of Living Community Grant helped transform Ark’s former arts and crafts shed into the kitchen that  serves 50 free hot meals every day. But this isn’t just food provision – it’s a farm-to-fork journey, with participants involved in:

• planting and growing food
• caring for crops
• harvesting produce
• preparing and cooking meals together

Participants gain a variety of practical skills, improved confidence, and a shared sense of purpose.

2 Supporting those excluded elsewhere

Ark provides a vital space for people who don’t fit easily into traditional ‘systems’ – some of whom face significant barriers in their lives:

• Eight children a day (around 40 each week) attend who are not in school or struggle in mainstream education
• 117 people experiencing mental health challenges attend weekly through an unfunded therapeutic volunteer programme
• Many participants go on to become volunteers – and some progress into paid roles

Today, Ark has 14 permanent staff and 73 volunteers, with several staff members having previously been service users themselves.

This pathway from participant to volunteer to employee is a powerful indicator of impact.

3 A place to heal

During our visit, we spoke with Graham, who came to Ark after the death of his wife of 50 years. He described the site as:

“The start of my journey… my comfort place.”

He now spends time gardening – something his wife loved.

“It feels like she’s here with me. The people here are so kind – not judgmental. To me, this is a family.”

Stories like Graham’s show that Ark isn’t just delivering activities – it’s creating belonging, routine, and emotional safety.

Looking ahead

Our recent visit also marked the beginning of feasibility work to explore how Ark might expand its offer and prepare for future investment.

With demand already high and several programmes currently unfunded, there is clear potential for growth.

Ark at Egwood shows the transformative power of a community-led, land-based social enterprise. By combining therapeutic activity, inclusive education and meaningful volunteering, it creates pathways to improved mental health, confidence, skills and connection for people who are often excluded from mainstream services.

From an empty field to a thriving, intergenerational community, Ark demonstrates how social investment can enable local organisations to build sustainable solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities and reduce pressure on public services.

Are you a social enterprise or community group creating positive change and looking for investment to scale your work? Complete our enquiry form to begin a conversation with our team HERE.