Get involved

When?

Throughout the winter, from October to the end of February this sub-group of SSB meets on a fortnightly basis. Currently, we have a ‘steward’ system, where we rotate responsibility, and the steward will offer instruction and/or team-up a beginner with a more experienced person.

Where?

The venue changes and lifts are arranged for each session,
E-mail woodgroup@sustainablesouthbrent.org.uk for details.

How?

We have tools, waterproof hi-viz jackets, first-aid kit, and a risk assessment is completed on each outing.

It is best to wear warm and fairly tough clothing. A hat, boots and gardening gloves or gauntlets are advisable to keep warm and protected. Bring a hot drink and food if working all day.

There are a variety of jobs suitable for all skills and abilities. Everyone is welcome but children must come with a responsible adult.

Occasionally chainsaw work will be necessary but this is never carried out during a public session. A fully trained, certificated and insured person carries out this work before or after our sessions.

Other activities

We occasionally organise woodland activity days for families, visits to interesting local woodlands, hedging competitions and other groups.

How our group started

SSB earliest public meeting in 2007 resulted in a number of people expressing points about Trees and Woodlands. This was mainly directed at Woodfuel potential and Woodland use for recreation, traditional craft and Forest School type education. The group has in the past been involved in tree planting/seed collecting and organising visits to local Woodlands.

In 2013 Dartmoor Circle put together a ‘toolkit’ and obtained funding to inspire the formation of a number of new Woodfuel from Hedges groups in South Devon. The toolkit contained a template agreement between landowner and group, tree ID guides and practical information about tree management, as well as covering issues such as insurance.

Later that year SSB obtained Awards for All funding, some of which was used to support the new group by buying in expert tuition from Devon Rural Skills Trust, and to purchase billhooks, saws, loppers, hatchets, and more. It also helped fund the highly successful Wood Fair in 2014 (see above).