KFP presented with Community mosaic

During our recent celebration event, we were thrilled to be presented with a mosaic featuring Knaresborough Forest, created as a community arts project during last year’s FEVA festival.

FEVA Chair Gwen Lloyd presented the mosaic during an event held on the land on 4 May, to celebrate the fact that the remaining bridging loan on the land was recently paid off due to a generous private donation.

The presentation was announced by the Town Crier, who shared his support for KFP, calling it “a fabulous resource for the town and for the local wildlife”.

Gwen Lloyd said “We are really glad to commemorate this wonderful achievement of buying the land and setting out on this project, and we’re looking forward to many forest-related activities in FEVAs to come”.

Despite the cool breeze, a good number gathered to celebrate with us, and share the thrill of an achievement of some scale! The event was attended by shareholders and supporters, as well as local individuals who had given substantial support through loans and donations, although most preferred to remain anonymous.

Bill Rigby, one of the founders of the KFP campaign when it was launched by Renaissance Knaresborough in 2022, expressed our gratitude to these donors and lenders, saying: “Their generosity has typified the tone of many of the share investors who have made supportive comments on the project’s ‘Crowdfunder’ page. Throughout the campaign we have been delighted to see all parts of our community united in support of our ideals and achievements.”

We will be holding another celebration on 13 August, designated by Knaresborough Town Council as Knaresborough Forest Day, to be held annually as part of the FEVA festival. Let's hope for warmer weather for that event! Look out for details on our What's On page nearer the time.