Hill Holt Wood was purchased by Nigel and Karen Lowthrop in 1995. It was in poor condition with invasive rhododendron, a damaged drainage system and the majority of the quality timber removed by the previous owners. In 1997 the Hill Holt Wood Management Committee was established as a link between the owners and the surrounding community.

Initially representing four parishes this developed in the following five years to eleven parishes with a population totalling in excess if 10,000. Throughout this time a business in the wood based on training was established, owned and managed by Karen and Nigel operating as partnership called ECONS. In 2002 the Volunteer Board of Directors took control and Hill Holt Wood, the Social Enterprise was born. This business applies the key principles that where at the core of ECONS, Economic Conservation.

HHW has become increasingly well known at both a regional and national level due to effective networking, partnership working as well as word of mouth. There is a growing awareness amongst environmental and educational professionals that this type of project crosses a range of government policy areas.

The role of social enterprises in rural development and rural diversification is becoming an issue of increasing interest. The government sees social enterprises as a way of providing public goods.

Hill Holt wood started it life over 300 years ago, now in the 21st Century Hill Holt wood is a thriving community project with visitors from all over Europe..