Last week we worked together with key partners from our Cocoa Works project by dedicating time to tidy up a much loved and magical spot on the banks of the river Foss in York.
The Foss Fairy Trail is a magical riverside walk run by the local community. Everyone is invited to explore the fairy village, discover the folklore, flora, and fauna as part of a free family-friendly experience.
Tracy Ostle, the founder of the Fairy Trail, came up with concept when she walked down the river pathway during lockdown. She noticed a couple of fairy doors had been put on trees adding a little bit of magic to what had become an otherwise abandoned and rubbish-strewn area. Since then, the Fairy Trail has developed and grown in popularity.
Our volunteers, inspired by Tracy’s efforts in the area, helped cut brambles, trim hedging, and generally tidy the area with the aim to make it a much more accessible and pleasant environment to be in.
Our team provided all the required tools and equipment to reinvigorate the trail and they were joined by a selection of volunteers from Clarion Housing Group, Briggs & Forrester Group, Lindner Group, KW Builders, Global Contract Interiors, Benchmark Scaffolding, F&B Brickwork and Horbury Joinery. The Foss Fairy Trail is only a 15-minute walk away from our prestigious Cocoa Works site.
York’s historic 1890s former Rowntree Factory is being converted into 279 characterful high-quality apartments. These will be a mix of one to three-bed homes available for sale and shared ownership.
Our team working on the project are keen to support the development of green spaces in the area, having previously worked alongside enthusiastic schoolchildren to renovate a Garden of Remembrance at St George’s RC Primary School & Nursery in central York.
Ryan O'Loughlin, Director said: "As a Yorkshire-based business, we are always looking for new and unique ways to give back to the local communities in which we work. Being able to offer our time and services - alongside the help of our trusted local partners - to help continue what Tracy started on the banks of the river Foss is very important.
Green spaces are important in big cities but not always easy to maintain. It was a pleasure to help coordinate the project but it was a real team effort from everyone involved and I’m sure that families will get enjoyment out the Fairy Trail for many years to come.”
From first meeting with the Henry Boot Construction volunteer team, I have been impressed with the commitment they have to local projects and the support they have provided. From tools to their recent volunteering, they have really helped the Foss Fairy Trail to keep moving forward. A huge thank you to all from the Foss Fairies.
Tracy Ostle, Founder, Foss Fairy Trail
