Putting down roots and branching out – Action not Words

From the inception of WH, Peter Goodwin and I wanted to operate with the maxim “Action not Words”.

Well, we are certainly now working on projects spanning the whole wood chain, from planting beautiful trees to supporting a showcase for artisan designer makers of furniture and other wooden products. We really are beginning to rediscover a wood culture in this country and to create a woodland heritage for our children.

On “putting down roots”, we are about to embark on the creation of a new woodland. Thanks to a generous legacy this woodland will be called James Wood in memory of James Stratton, taken too early from this world.

Photo ? Forestry Commission / John McFarlane - Woodland Heritage will be planting James Wood soon

This will not be single species monoculture and there will be no clear felling. James Wood will be a broadleaf and conifer mixed planting, a judicious choice of species that will give the best defence against tree diseases and pests, as well as designed in resilience to climate change.

So, individual trees may come and go throughout the years, but there will always remain a James Wood, in perpetuity and with trees of all ages. Let’s remember that it is young trees vigorously growing that perform the vital task of converting Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen, and not old moribund trees.

If possible, I would like to see us being able to offer investment opportunities in woodland development for businesses and individuals wanting to off-set their carbon footprint and we will look into this option further.

Putting down other roots, we are currently negotiating the next stage of our tenure at Whitney Sawmills. We have clear aims now in that regard as it’s important to secure our tenure to dovetail with the planned new investment in machinery and buildings. But looking longer term I would love us to aspire to provide low-cost start-up units for apprentices and budding artisans in wood.

Plans for Whitney Sawmills

In terms of “branching out” we are working very hard to deliver the Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design Exhibition that for 25 years was held annually in Cheltenham, but then could not proceed in 2020. This is an important showcase for designer-makers and has been supported for many years via our sponsorship of the ‘Best use of British timber award’.

Passing on skills anywhere along the timber supply chain is fundamental to Woodland Heritage’s beliefs

With the likelihood of 2019 having been the last exhibition, we have stepped in to stage it again and so to help underpin and sustain important craft skills. With the exhibitors’ support and subject to the relevant regulations at the time, we intend that the event will be a great success in 2021.

The ‘Ark’ – Adrian McCurdy. Best use of British Timber Award winner 2019 (Oak)

‘Grace’ circular dining table – Daniel Harrison. Best use of British Timber Award winner 2018 (Ash)

COVID-19 has proved the importance of people developing craft skills of every kind, and it’s shown how therapeutic it is to fashion items by hand and how soothing it is for mental health and well-being. It has also taught us how our spirits are lifted by a walk in the woods.

Verily, from Woodland to Workshop.

Truly “ACTION NOT WORDS.”

Article taken from the Woodland Heritage 2021 Journal.

To find out more about Woodland Heritage and to become a member please visit https://www.woodlandheritage.org/.