Sitting around the warm fire at this year's Winterfire reminded us of this quote by Martin Luther King Jr. and prompted us to reflect on the work we do here at the Wakefield Estate. For beyond the work of restoring and sharing the landscape and providing innovative learning opportunities for all, there is (and we've observed it) an element of a creative force right here at the estate, opening up new opportunities and experiences that transform lives in the process. The glow of the fire on the faces of those that braved the cold at Winterfire is also reflected in the faces of hundreds of children who come to the estate each year to enjoy the simple pleasure of being in contact with nature - and experience for themselves that creative force that can transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.

 Mark Smith