Local workshop opportunities at Hainault Forest
Hainault Forest is offering opportunities for small and emerging businesses to join our craft courtyard, designed for hands on, local businesses. This is a place where creativity meets nature, and visitors come to learn, make, and connect. If you’ve been searching for a space that feels purposeful and full of potential, this is perfect for you!
We’d love to hear from creative, craft and sustainable businesses, including:
- Hand‑made soaps, candles, cards and keepsakes
- Artisan bakery (non‑competing with 1856 café)
- Woodworking (bird boxes, tools, seed kits)
- Jewellery making
- Recycled and eco‑homeware
- Floristry
- Mixed‑media artistry
- Knitting, textiles and clothing
- Gardening and pet‑related products
- Preserves and chutney making
The Hainault Forest courtyard features five self-contained workshop spaces (24m²–31m²) offering power, water, broadband, shared facilities with one unit specifically suitable for metalworking!
As a growing destination, if you join us you will benefit from:
- Promotion across Vision RCL channels
- Opportunities to join markets and events
- A strong and increasing visitor footfall
- A supportive, nature‑anchored environment
- A chance to shape the forest’s creative identity
To keep the courtyard lively and engaging, we expect you to:
- Maintain a consistent presence
- Open weekends and 4–5 days per week depending on season
- Deliver workshops, demos or training
- Offer affordable sessions (£10–£15)
- Hold or obtain first aid and DBS
- Meet site standards and inspections
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in your business becoming part of Hainault Forest’s growing community, please email your proposal to Claire Bidder, Vision RCL Project Manager, by 26 November 2026.
Your submission should include your business name, a brief business description, website and social media links (if any), why Hainault Forest is the right fit for your business, how your business aligns with sustainability principles, your proposed workshop or demonstration offer, the social value you bring, your space requirements, and your proposed rent.
This opportunity is about creating a balanced, diverse and meaningful community of makers, creators and entrepreneurs. The proposed Expression of Interest document can be accessed here. A detailed scoring matrix will be shared once an expression of interest has been registered.
We anticipate successful businesses moving into their workshop spaces from April 2027.
With thousands of visitors each week, a thriving café, a restored farm, and a growing programme of events and activities, the Craft Courtyard sits at the heart of Hainault Forest’s visitor experience. If your business would thrive in a place where people come to explore, learn, create and connect, we’d love to hear from you!
