Charitable connections - The Back Dane Trust

Moorcroft and THE Back Dane Trust

 

Moorcroft designers Kerry Goodwin and Emma Bossons FRSA have always enjoyed being in nature and the calmness gained from the natural world. Their designs for Moorcroft are testament to that. Designs created through immersion in nature grow organically out of reverence and love. Fortunately for Moorcroft, when this is combined with their world-class talent, the outcome is often spectacular. As chance would have it, the designers were asked to create designs for the Back Dane Trust, a small volunteer-run charity that owns a converted farmhouse, Back Dane, in the Peak District National Park. It is situated in an area of outstanding beauty at the edge of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. For them, it was a very special place and they could see why it has become a sanctuary for many. As they toured the farm, woodland area, wildflower meadows and strolled down to the River Dane, they knew that the Arts and Crafts pottery had itself found a home.

The Trust describes its purpose as providing ‘educational and recreational facilities for those in need, or those who are disadvantaged in some way.’ They welcome and support charitable groups wanting to host respite breaks. Inner city children, refugees, young carers, children and adults with learning difficulties have all been supported. Children can enjoy outdoor play, fun and adventure at Back Dane. With its own nature trail, deciduous woodland, riverside area, wildflower meadow, fire pit and sensory garden, nature is allowed to unfold and heal.

Back Dane’s diverse natural habitat, which encourages a rich variety of wildlife from buttercups, wood anemones and bluebells in the meadows and pied flycatchers taking up residence in the bird boxes made and erected by children, offers a treasure trove of design inspiration. While funds for each piece sold within the Back Dane Collection, will help the Trust in its work, Moorcroft also believes that these pieces of art pottery, each as individually and beautifully created as those that enjoy Back Dane, will offer you a sanctuary through the natural world.

View the Back Dane Trust Collection

VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The Trust is always looking for new volunteers with skills or interests both in helping to maintain the property and its setting, or to support the running of the Trust. Opportunities for volunteers include management of woodland, wildflower meadow and wetland area to conserve and enhance the natural environment around Back Dane and to improve and increase opportunities for the Trust's beneficiaries to learn about and enjoy the wildlife and nature of the Peak District, and have encounters with red deer, badgers, foxes, barn owls, kestrels, Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts and so much more. The Back Dane Trust is run entirely by voluntary effort and has no paid staff.

Volunteers are always welcome, either at Back Dane for the Improvement Weekends (where they work on building projects, garden projects and/or maintenance) or at the Tuesday Club that runs in Derby.

Please contact info@backdane.co.uk if you are interested in volunteering for the Back Dane Trust and would like to know more about joining one of their sub-groups.