Hexham design agency ‘Instilled’ delivers new website for Land of Oak and Iron
Hexham-based design agency Instilled has unveiled a transformative new website for the Land of Oak and Iron—a community and heritage initiative supported by environmental charity Groundwork. The project marks a major step forward in digital accessibility, security, and storytelling for the organisation.
The Land of Oak and Iron (LOI), known for celebrating the unique heritage, landscapes and industrial history of the Derwent Valley, had previously operated several outdated websites spread across different domains. These fragmented platforms were difficult to manage, posed security risks due to outdated plugins, and offered a poor user experience.
Instilled was appointed to address these issues and deliver a fresh, fully integrated digital platform that reflected LOI’s community-driven values and environmental mission. The brief was clear from the outset:
- Streamline bookings for the Heritage Centre
- Clarify relationships between the various project sites
- Encourage community involvement through volunteering and donations
- Showcase LOI’s role within the broader Groundwork network
To begin, the Instilled team conducted a full technical audit, removing redundant plugins and updating essential ones to improve performance, enhance security, and simplify future management. This technical overhaul laid the foundation for a more secure and responsive site.
Next came a visual and structural redesign. Instilled worked closely with the LOI team to evolve their branding—retaining their core identity while introducing a more cohesive, nature-inspired aesthetic that reflects the organisation’s mission to connect people with heritage, nature, and local pride.
The revamped website now offers a seamless user experience. Visitors can explore local events, hire rooms at the Heritage Centre, discover café offerings, and delve into the area’s rich cultural and natural history. Clear navigation pathways encourage users to learn more, get involved, and support the cause.
Crucially, the new WordPress website was built with usability in mind. Instilled ensured that the LOI team can manage their content independently, providing hands-on training and ongoing support to build confidence and autonomy.
“We’re proud to support such a meaningful project right here in the North East,” said Iness Mattinsin Creative Director at Instilled. “The Land of Oak and Iron plays a vital role in bringing people together through history and nature. It was important that their online presence did the same.”
The result is a vibrant, secure, and user-friendly website that brings together all aspects of the Land of Oak and Iron’s work, while enabling the team to grow their reach and impact across the community.
The new site can be explored at: Land of Oak and Iron
