Working Our Woodlands

WORKING OUR WOODLANDS
A SENSITIVELY  MANAGED WOODLAND PROJECT
FUNDED BY “MAKING IT LOCAL” , THE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT FUND AND THE BLACKDOWN & EAST DEVON WOODLAND ASSOCIATION .

This project is supported and part funded by both the East Devon and Blackdown Hills AONB’s and will cover that area and beyond. The core of the project is a Woodland Resources Coordinator (WRC) John Greenshields .The WRC will link the B&EDWA with the East Devon Small Woodland Network and work with woodland owners, contractors and producers to strengthen local supply chains and maximise business. The project is releasing local FC timber for local distribution and creating wood cluster groups.

All participants become members of the B&EDWA, thus strengthening the network and bonding contractors and woodland owners. They will also have to adhere to the FSC and UKWAS (UK Woodland Assurance Standard) guidelines and follow the South West Biodiversity Plan.

The project, which  started in November 2009 has a steering group made up of the AONB’s, the FC, the Wildlife Trust, The Woodland Trust, the Neroche Scheme and reps from TDBC and EDDC.  A Woodland Contractors Directory is being completed and “mapping” of all the woodland in the project is being done by The Silvanus Trust, all information will be collated and stored and will be available to public bodies only. The Silvanus Trust will also be involved in the admin and events work throughout the project and assisting the WRC.

This project is a direct result of woodland surveys carried out recently with SDF funding, and the drawing up of the Strategic Approach to the Woodland across the “Making it Local” area.  It is drawing on the experience and working closely with other Woodland projects within Somerset and Devon. It is hoped that with the strengthened B&EDWA, and the income the project will generate, that in the future the B&EDWA will be able to appoint a part time coordinator to carry the project on.

MAIN AIMS OF THE PROJECT
 WRC working with 60 small woodland owners forming approx 6 woodland cluster groups.
 WRC working with 2 regional wood fuel co-ops.
 Completion of a woodland contractor directory.
 8 events evaluated by feedback.
 Completion of a resources survey.
 At least 10 local contractors working to enhance quality standards.
 Broker with FC a forest wood to local suppliers project.
 Growth in B&EDWA membership.
 Add to B&EDWA Web site.
 Make sure through FSC & UKWAS guidelines a best practice system is in place.

The project will cover some 2000 hectares out of a possible 4000 hectares of woodland & involve 50-60 owners and 30 contractors.

The project is changing the way the Forestry Commission is funding small woodlands , by using "clusters" of woodlands to claim the Woodland plan grant.

This project is not just woodfuel led , but all management will be sustainable to the woodland and the wildlife.

The project is now asking Woodland owners to contact John. There is no cost and no obligation so why not call him and have a chat!!

For further information contact John Greenshields WRC at parkfarm@tinyonline.co.uk    01823 660764

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