For too long, the systems that govern our societies have stripped people of the ability to design, steward, and transform the places they reside. Now, in the midst of the polycrisis—when our communities and ecosystems need our skills, energy, and collective action more than ever—we’re changing that.This Living Place is a living prototype—an experiment in how communities can come together, identify what their place needs, and access the resources to make it happen.
We don’t just talk about systems change—we build it from the ground up.
We listen – gathering people, mapping what’s missing, and identifying the real pressure points.
We weave – connecting people and projects, creating networks that drive real change.
We design – building projects, testing new models, and proving what’s possible.
We amplify – sharing stories that shift culture and unlock new possibilities.
We learn – documenting and sharing what works, so others can build on it.
Our first year was a stepping stone—a year of deep listening, learning, and understanding what’s needed to rebuild thriving places. Before we could design ways forward, we had to map the gaps, build trust, and explore how collaboration could work here.
400+ hours of deep listening and community consultation
500+ hours of direct, hands-on support for local projects
200+ new connections made across sectors
50+ site visits to grassroots initiatives
40+ events attended
20+ projects supported
We are rooted in South Somerset and North Dorset—a landscape of rolling hills, working farms, wild spaces, and deep traditions. It’s also a place where young people leave and don’t return, where wealth disparities are stark, and where isolation runs deep.It’s a place of immense potential—rich in land-based knowledge, grassroots services, and community networks that, if resourced, could form the foundation of a thriving, regenerative future.
This Living Place is backed by funders, institutions, and grassroots organisations who believe in resourcing communities to take ownership of their future.We work alongside place-based initiatives, regenerative businesses, forward-thinking institutions and systems thinkers to prototype new models of organising, resourcing, and rebuilding.
📩 Want to collaborate or learn more? If you're interested in funding, partnering, or working with us, get in touch: laura@thislivingplace.co.uk
We are a small team of place-based designers, organisers, and systems thinkers working to rebuild the social and ecological fabric of our communities. We bring together grassroots knowledge, global networks, and deep local commitment to prototype new ways of organising, resourcing, and regenerating place.We are not a voluntary-led organisation. We believe that people must be resourced to do the work of creating resilient, connected, and thriving places.
laura@thislivingplace.co.uk
This Living Place is a registered not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC) - 15429630