Help Rebuild The Willows After Arson Attack

On the night of 12th June 2025, the beautiful forest school site at The Willows Child Development Centre in Barton Mills was targeted in an arson attack. A container filled with vital equipment was deliberately set on fire, destroying thousands of pounds worth of equipment.

The Willows isn’t easy to find. It’s tucked away in nature, hidden from the noise and pressure of everyday life. That’s exactly what makes it so magical. It’s a safe space for children aged 5 to 16 who struggle to access mainstream classrooms for all sorts of reasons.

Kelly, Matt, and their amazing team offer something different: bespoke support for children with emotional and behavioural needs in a calm, nurturing environment, helping them rebuild confidence and find joy in learning again.

Every single penny will go directly towards replacing what they have lost. No donation is too small – if you can help in any way, they would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for your support, here is a message from Kelly - Founder and CEO of The Willows Child Development:

We Are Heartbroken - But Not Completely Broken

Last night, someone broke into our Willow Forest site and deliberately set fire to our secure storage container. All of the equipment inside, things we rely on to care for the land and keep it safe for the children has been completely destroyed.

I honestly feel sick. I’ve spent six years building Willow Forest into a place where children and young people who’ve been let down, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by the school system can come to feel safe. A place where they can be nurtured, accepted, and free.

To know that someone has done this to a space that exists solely for healing is deeply devastating.

What they’ve destroyed wasn’t just tools and machinery. It was the heart of how we care for this land and this community. It was part of what makes Willow Forest feel held, loved, and ready for the children who walk through our gates.

But we will NOT let this stop us.

The site is safe, and Willow Forest will be open as usual from next week. We will be there with open arms, calm hearts, and deep resolve, because our children need us, and we are not going anywhere.

We’re working with the police, and I want to say a huge thank you to the fire service for their quick, kind response.

Thank you to everyone who has messaged already, your love means more than you know.

With a heavy heart,

Kelly & The Willow Forest Team