A quiet victory for nature unfolded in the rolling hills of North Yorkshire when the Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust secured an 8-hectare (20-acre) woodland known as Rotary Wood in Harrogate, halting industrial plans by Harrogate Spring Water and turning the site into a permanent nature reserve. The win came after a fierce local campaign, galvanized by the unexpected but powerful voice of Dame Judi Dench, the 89-year-old Oscar-winning actress and environmental advocate, who called the proposed tree-clearing "environmental vandalism." Her intervention didn’t just draw attention—it shifted the tide.
A Woodland Under Threat
Rotary Wood, nestled in the civil parish of Harrogate, isn’t just a patch of trees. It’s a living corridor for birds, insects, and native flora, including rare woodland fungi and nesting sites for protected species like the lesser spotted woodpecker. For years, it had been quietly valued by local walkers and naturalists. But in early 2024, Harrogate Spring Water filed planning applications to expand its bottling facility, which would have required clearing nearly half the woodland. The company, which markets itself as a purveyor of "pure spring water" from the region’s limestone aquifers, argued the expansion was needed to meet rising demand. But locals saw it differently. "They’re selling water from the ground beneath our feet," said one longtime resident, "and now they want to destroy the forest that keeps it clean?" The Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust, a small but determined community group founded in 2018, sprang into action. Their goal: buy the land before construction began.Dame Judi Dench Steps In
The turning point came in March 2024, when Dame Judi Dench—already known for her quiet environmental advocacy, including backing Forestry England’s "ghost woods" revival—publicly denounced the plan. In a statement shared by the Harrogate District Green Party, she said: "Cutting down a woodland like this isn’t progress. It’s vandalism. These trees have stood for centuries. They don’t belong to a corporation. They belong to the future." Her words spread like wildfire. Local news outlet OB News called it "a fierce local battle," and suddenly, the story was on national radio, in The Guardian, and even trending on X (formerly Twitter). Donations poured in. Community fundraisers—tea sales, bake-offs, poetry readings under the trees—raised over £120,000 in six weeks. By May, the Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust had secured the purchase.
The Planning Deferral That Changed Everything
The local planning authority, Harrogate Borough Council, had initially scheduled a vote on the development in February. But as public pressure mounted, they deferred the decision in March—then, in June, formally withdrew the application after the land was sold to the trust. The council’s report noted "overwhelming community opposition" and "unprecedented public engagement" as key factors. The Harrogate District Green Party, which had been documenting the case since January, hailed it as "a textbook example of grassroots power. What’s remarkable isn’t just that the woodland was saved—it’s that it was saved without a single lawsuit, no government grant, and no corporate compromise. Just people. And one iconic voice.What Comes Next?
The Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust has no plans to turn Rotary Wood into a manicured park. Instead, they’re adopting a "rewilding first" approach: removing invasive species, planting native hedgerows, and installing hidden wildlife cameras to monitor species recovery. A single, low-impact footpath will be added for quiet access—no playgrounds, no cafes, no signage that screams "tourist attraction." The trust also plans to partner with local schools to create a "Woodland Guardians" program, teaching children how to identify birdsong and track soil health. "This isn’t a monument," said trust chairperson Eleanor Mears. "It’s a living, breathing thing we’re learning to protect."
A Precedent for England’s Green Spaces
This isn’t the first time a community has saved a woodland from development—but it’s one of the clearest cases where celebrity influence directly tipped the scales. Similar battles have raged in the Lake District, the Forest of Dean, and the Cotswolds, where developers often argue economic necessity outweighs ecological value. Rotary Wood proves that when public sentiment aligns with local organization, even a bottled water giant can be stopped. The Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust now holds the deed. The trees remain. And for the first time in decades, the birdsong at Rotary Wood isn’t drowned out by the hum of machinery.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dame Judi Dench get involved in this campaign?
Dame Judi Dench, a long-time advocate for ancient woodlands and biodiversity, was approached by the Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust after learning about the planned deforestation. She had previously supported Forestry England’s "ghost woods" initiative and recognized Rotary Wood’s ecological significance. Her public statement calling the project "environmental vandalism" was issued through the Harrogate District Green Party and amplified by national media, turning a local issue into a national conversation.
What species are protected in Rotary Wood?
Rotary Wood is home to several protected species, including the lesser spotted woodpecker, hazel dormouse, and the rare silver-washed fritillary butterfly. The woodland also hosts ancient fungi like the velvet shank and supports diverse ground flora including bluebells, wood anemone, and early purple orchids. BirdGuides and local ornithologists have documented over 45 bird species nesting or foraging in the area, making it a critical habitat corridor in North Yorkshire.
Why did Harrogate Spring Water want to clear the woodland?
Harrogate Spring Water sought to expand its bottling facility to meet rising demand for its branded water, claiming the current site was at capacity. The proposed expansion would have added new storage tanks and a larger loading bay, requiring the removal of 3.5 hectares of the woodland. Critics questioned the need, noting the company’s parent firm reported £18 million in profits in 2023 and that water demand could be met through efficiency upgrades rather than land clearance.
How was the land purchase funded?
The £350,000 purchase price was raised entirely through community fundraising—donations from over 2,300 individuals, local business sponsorships, and proceeds from events like "Walk for Rotary Wood" and poetry nights under the trees. No government grants or corporate donations were accepted. The Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust confirmed that 100% of funds went directly to the land purchase, with operational costs covered by future membership fees and volunteer efforts.
Is this a model other communities can copy?
Absolutely. Rotary Wood demonstrates that even small, grassroots trusts can succeed against corporate developers by combining local knowledge, strategic media engagement, and high-profile advocacy. Similar models have worked in places like the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. The key ingredients? Speed, transparency, and emotional resonance. When people feel the land is theirs to protect, they’ll fight for it—even without deep pockets.
What’s the long-term vision for Rotary Wood?
The Upper Nidderdale Open Space Trust envisions Rotary Wood as a self-sustaining ecosystem, managed with minimal human interference. Long-term goals include restoring native oak and hazel canopy cover, reintroducing beech saplings lost to disease, and creating a 20-year biodiversity monitoring plan. Public access will remain limited to quiet footpaths to avoid disturbance. The trust also plans to establish an annual "Woodland Day" to celebrate conservation without commercialization.