A Simple Act

In the Press

“New documentary shines light on mission to restore Lake District forest”

Cumbria Crack, 4 August 2026

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About the Film

What happens when people decide to think not in years, but in generations?

A Simple Act: Restoring Hardknott Forest is a feature documentary following a year in the life of an ambitious woodland restoration project in the Duddon Valley, in England's Lake District National Park.

Once planted as a commercial conifer forest, Hardknott is now being transformed into native woodland through the combined efforts of volunteers, researchers from the University of Leeds, Forestry England and the local community.

Across the changing seasons, the film captures the challenges, quiet successes and unexpected rewards of restoring a landscape whose greatest transformations may not be seen for decades.

But this is about far more than trees.

It is a story of optimism, resilience and the extraordinary things that can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.

A Story About People

Some volunteers plant young trees. Others remove invasive species to give native woodland the space to return. Researchers monitor the landscape, learning what works and adapting their approach as the forest begins to change. Local farmers contribute generations of knowledge about the land.

On their own, these acts may seem small. Together, they become something extraordinary.

Through intimate observation and personal stories, A Simple Act explores how restoring a landscape can also change the people involved. Volunteers speak of friendship, purpose and improved wellbeing, while researchers reflect on working towards a future they may never see.

In a world increasingly focused on immediate results, the film celebrates the quiet power of doing something today for the benefit of generations to come.

The Restoration

Hardknott Forest covers approximately 630 hectares in the Duddon Valley, within the Lake District National Park.

Rather than imposing a fixed design on the landscape, the restoration project allows natural processes to take the lead wherever possible.

Native trees are encouraged to regenerate naturally, while volunteers remove invasive species and protect emerging woodland. Deadwood is retained to support fungi and insects, and recovering habitats provide opportunities for birds, mammals and other wildlife.

The work is gradual, sometimes unpredictable, and dependent on patience and persistence. But the first signs of nature's recovery are already visible.

About the Production

Filming began in early 2024 and continued throughout the changing seasons, following the people and landscape of Hardknott Forest as the restoration progressed.

Combining observational filmmaking with interviews featuring researchers, Forestry England staff, volunteers, conservationists and local farmers, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of a project that will continue long after filming has ended.

The film is directed by Neil Emery of On Y Va Films, whose previous documentary, Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay, won several international awards and screened in cinemas in the UK and the United States.

A Simple Act is now in the final stages of post-production. Picture editing is complete, and sound post-production is taking place at Skywalker Sound in California, including Foley recording and the final sound mix. The film features an original score by composer Jeffrey Roden.

The completed documentary is being prepared for film festivals, cinema screenings and community events.

Thank You to Our Kickstarter Supporters

In August 2026, 65 backers raised £3,116 through Kickstarter to help bring A Simple Act: Restoring Hardknott Forest to completion.

Their generosity has helped make the final stages of production possible, supporting the professional sound work and preparation of the film for audiences.

Independent films like this depend on people who believe that a story is worth telling. I'm enormously grateful to everyone who contributed, shared the campaign or offered encouragement.

Supporting Producers

Clare Waugh

Iain Waugh

Jonathan Wild and family

Supporters

Catherine Rowlands
David Ephraim
Lania Knight
Mark Faulkner
Phil Mills
Philip Jordan
Sandra Miles
Tony S

Many more people contributed to the Kickstarter campaign than are named above. To respect everyone's privacy, I've included only those who have expressly confirmed that they would like to be acknowledged publicly.

If you supported the campaign and would like your name added, please email info@onyvafilms.com and I'll be very happy to update the list.

Whether your name appears here or not, thank you. Your support has helped make this film possible.

Learn More About the Project

A Simple Act tells the human story behind the restoration, but the work at Hardknott Forest continues.

To learn more about the science, conservation work, volunteering opportunities and long-term vision, visit the official Restoring Hardknott Forest project website, run by the University of Leeds in partnership with Forestry England.

The website includes project updates, wildlife stories, research findings and information about how to get involved.