woodlandheritage.org

Woodland Heritage: Still ‘Rocking On’…

We are delighted to welcome the Stevenson Brothers as a new Corporate Member. A conversation with an old school woodwork pal, Stewart Linford, prompted their call to us. Stewart Linford was one our Founder Members back in 1993 and his continued support epitomises the ethos of our Charity. It is a good example of how our members can help to spread the word and recruit “like-minded” companies and individuals. For twenty-five years, twin brothers, Marc and Tony Stevenson have produced hand-made rocking horses, which have been universally recognised as works of art. Indeed, you can see pictured an example of their fine work. And on page 51 you can read more about their commitment to ‘wood’ through their superb craftsmanship and their ‘green policy’.

Our Field Weekend 2006 in the Scottish Borders was declared a resounding success – the sheer diversity and numbers of members who ‘rocked up’ only served to confirm this. This year we are heading south to Melbury Estate, Dorset and Stourhead Western, Wiltshire. A brief outline of our programme is overleaf.

Last autumn our Trustees decided that the dedication and contribution that Dr. Peter Savill has made to forestry should be recognised by a special Award. He has been a leading light in forestry and his work in inspiring and guiding students and others is exemplary. Peter has also been a superb Trustee for Woodland Heritage and in recognition of his life-long commitment to learning; we decided to create The Woodland Heritage Savill Award. This year it is awarded to Susan Bell (page 5) for her tremendous contribution to British forestry. We look forward to presenting this to her during our Field Weekend on 22nd and 23rd June. Our small Charity has been talking about “sustainable development” since it’s inception some 14 years ago. Now finally, the UK seems to be waking up to the importance of carbon emissions and the environment in general. It is with this in mind, that the statement overleaf by our Patron His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is indeed timely and so encouraging. We are most grateful for his continued support.

We have also decided that a new Membership Category should be created – one which will build a foundation, a secure platform that will underpin the future growth of Woodland Heritage. This new ‘Foundation Membership’ will consist of a small core of committed major corporates who are prepared to ‘sign up’ for twenty years, with an annual financial commitment that will enable us to plan into the future and thereby undertake some major projects. Our first Foundation Member is about to “sign on the line” and we will tell you about it as soon as the ink is dry. Other major corporates interested in the environment will follow their lead. Exciting times indeed ! I do hope that you enjoy reading our Journal this year and that we have succeeded in providing something for everyone, as we try to do. Thank you all for your continued support which enables us to carry on with and extend our work.

Lewis J. Scott