Rural Housing Week 2026

Willow Tree Housing Partnership is supporting Rural Housing Week from Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July 2026. Run by the National Housing Federation, It is a moment for housing associations, local authorities, rural organisations and community partners to spotlight the vital role affordable housing plays in supporting and sustaining communities in rural areas across England. This week the sector will showcase how genuinely affordable homes help people remain in the communities where they work and have family ties, while supporting local services, resilience and long-term economic growth. Visit the National Housing Federation website for more information National Housing Federation - Rural Housing Week

The below video produced by the National Housing Federation highlights the importance of affordable homes to the wider rural community.

People in rural areas need affordable homes [subtitled

Morchard Bishop, Devon - Tuesday 7 July 2026

Last year, Willow Tree completed on two shared ownership homes in Morchard Bishop, Devon and one buyer has shared how the scheme had helped them. Having previously rented outside the village but with strong local connections, they had been looking for a home to buy in the village for around 4 years. This had however been a challenge due to rising living costs and increasing interest rates, which made it hard to save for a deposit. Through shared ownership, they were able to purchase a three-bedroom property, providing enough space to raise a family. They are enjoying making it their home, with lots of plans to use the garden over the summer. Energy-efficient features like solar panels and a battery have already proved beneficial. Happy with the neighbourhood and its suitability for their work and lifestyle, they intend to stay long-term and hope to fully own the property at some point in the future.

RHW 2026 Morchard Bishop Shared Owner Photo

Rural Neighbourhood Walkabouts - Thursday 9th July 2026

As part of Rural Housing Week, Willow Tree Housing Partnership has been out and about in our rural communities, carrying out neighbourhood walkabouts, meeting residents, and identifying opportunities to improve our estates and local environments. Key highlights included:

- Speaking directly with residents about local housing and neighbourhood issues.

- Identifying a tree requiring maintenance following recent adverse weather and arranging for it to be assessed.

- Identifying estate improvement works and environmental enhancements that will help improve the appearance and enjoyment of our neighbourhoods.

- Supporting a resident to report a loose manhole cover to the relevant local authority, as the road is adopted.

- Helping a resident set up access to our Customer Portal, enabling them to access services online more easily.

- Gathering valuable feedback on how we can improve our services and better support our communities. Suggestions included, planting new trees, creating wildlife friendly areas, supporting intiatives such as 'No Mow May' and installing benches.

- Strengthening engagement with our rural communities and ensuring residents have opportunities to help shape their neighbourhoods.

These conversations help us better understand the needs of our residents, address local concerns promptly, and continue providing safe, sustainable homes and neighbourhoods.

For us, community engagement is about more than simply listening – it's about being proactive, taking residents' suggestions seriously, and turning feedback into action wherever possible. By working alongside residents and implementing ideas where we can, we can make meaningful improvements that enhance neighbourhoods, strengthen communities, and create places people are proud to call home. Through this approach, we can deliver positive change and ensure our rural communities continue to thrive.

This proactive approach reflects our ‘Listen and Deliver’ vision as part of our Corporate Strategy, ensuring residents help shape their neighbourhoods and influence the improvements that matter most to them.