Woodland Heritage launches Open Woods & Workshops

Woodland Heritage is inviting you to participate in a new initiative, Open Woods & Workshops, which will bring the benefits of the UK’s woodlands and workshops to many. 

Throughout June 2025, a network of woodlands and workshops – from forestry estates, smaller woodlands and sawmills to artists’ and architects’ studios, furniture factories and makers – will host open days across the UK.

These events offer an exceptional chance to explore rarely accessible places and skills associated with the wonderful trees grown in the UK, and raise funds for Woodland Heritage, helping to grow and support the charity’s wider mission.   

Hosts include James Wood and Williams & Cleal in Somerset, The Duchy of Cornwall and Whitney Sawmills in Herefordshire, Albion Timber of Sheffield, makers Gaze Burvill of Hampshire, Treske of Yorkshire and John Makepeace OBE in Dorset, and many more.

Open Woods & Workshops aims to boost engagement in wood culture, growing, milling and making within the UK, as well as help those who grow trees and use wood build connections with others in the timber supply chain. There is also the opportunity to discover more about careers in areas such as forestry and research by meeting industry experts.

John Makepeace OBE, one of Britain’s most influential designer-makers, commented: “Can you imagine life without trees in our landscape? Trees stand as beacons of our commitment to future generations. Woodland Heritage advances the planting and management of trees, vital to nature, our wellbeing, and as a sustainable source of the world’s most beautiful materials. Initiatives like Open Woods & Workshops are so important to promote British grown wood as a resource for current and future generations of craftspeople.”

Geraint Richards, head forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and to His Majesty The King said: “As a former Trustee and still active supporter of Woodland Heritage, I am delighted that the Duchy of Cornwall will be involved in the inaugural year of its Open Woods & Workshops initiative. It is so important that we increase people’s connection to and appreciation of the UK’s trees and home-grown timber. I hope that this programme of events will go from strength to strength in the years to come.”

Savills, one of the world’s leading property advisors, is supporting Open Woods & Workshops. Mark Townsend, head of arboriculture and woodland management at Savills, said: “It is over 30 years since Peter Goodwin and Lewis Scott founded Woodland Heritage with the aim to promote a wood culture; to improve the management of woodlands as well as the end use of the timber. The charity’s aim to “Grow trees. Use wood. For our future.” is closely aligned to the aim of the Savills woodland management team and we are really pleased to be lending our support to the upcoming Open Woods & Workshops projects later this year. Now more than ever, it is vital for our woodlands to be well managed and for the demand and use of homegrown timber to be promoted. The UK is currently the third largest importer of timber globally, with over 80% of demand shipped in – this is unsustainable. These events are a wonderful opportunity to champion the whole supply chain – from tiny acorns to fantastic furniture.”

Booking for Open Woods & Workshops can be made at https://www.woodlandheritage.org/owaw