Growing trees and using their wood is increasingly recognised as one of the most environmentally sustainable land uses possible. Yet, the UK imports 80% of its timber need whilst only 20% of our own woods are managed. The Silvanus Trust aims to improve this unfortunate situation. We work with local people to increase the potential of woodland to support greater rural economic activity: by marketing local materials and increasing the use of local timber; by promoting timber to replace the use of fossil fuels and by promoting wood as a sustainable material.
Photo: Forestry Commission
The Silvanus Trust
The Silvanus Trust works in partnership with those concerned with woodland to:
- influence policy concerning sustainable and viable woodlands
- provide information, support, advice, education and training for those with an interest in or working in wood and woodlands.
- support South West wood industry businesses through several projects to promote a sustainable woodland economy.
- undertake research and promote best practice in community projects, and for partners and businesses receiving our support.
Photo: Forestry Commission
Brief History
The Silvanus Trust began in 1983 as part of the Dartington Action Research
Trust responding to worries about the neglect of broadleaved woodlands
in the South West. It was conceived as an integrated rural development
project linking all the constituent parts of the woodland management process.
The primary goals are to conserve woodland habitats, develop rural employment
in forestry and related industries and to develop timber markets in order
to increase the economic value of woodlands. The Trust has delivered this
mission for over 20 years, increasingly widely across the region, and in
the process has supported communities, schools, businesses and individuals,
creating and sustaining woodlands, partnerships and jobs.
These activities are especially relevant today as we come to recognise the impact of climate change.
Business Support
We are partners in the delivery of a number of projects aimed at assisting the Woodland sector in the South West region.
We work across the whole region assisting forestry, wood related businesses and forest owners through two projects; Woodland Renaissance, investing in strategic projects for the forestry sector, and by delivering the Woodworks project throughout the region. Woodworks helps to create new jobs within small businesses and to start new businesses. Working Woodlands provided grants for capital investments and market support, but no longer offers grants.
Community Support
The Trust aims to inspire and involve communities to manage and value trees and woodland. We have done this through youth, education, training and community projects.
The Treeclaim Enterprise project helped people to develop wood-working and outdoor conservation skills and prepared people for employment. This project enhanced opportunities for unemployed people in East Cornwall.
Our Trees provides advice and small grants to communities and schools on planting and managing trees and woodland.
