Trees, Woods and Forestry Industry

Forest of Mercia Education Inclusion Project
The Forest of Mercia Education Inclusion Project was set up in January 2004, funded through Staffordshire County Council’s Children and Lifelong Learning Department.

The project initially had two full time members of staff and the capacity for up to 10 trainees, by November 2005 the project had increased to six full time staff and an additional full time coordinator instructing in forestry and land based training and conservation awareness.

Due to changes within the County Council, the project ended in 2009.

 

Shropshire Hills Woodlands Project
Woodlands are an important part of the Shropshire Hills landscape and there is great potential to improve their management, in particular, the small woods. Much of this area has been identified as Ancient Woodland landscape and Ancient Woodland restoration area on the Woodland Opportunities Map for the WM. This new project in the AONB focuses on improving the condition of existing small woods and new woodland creation, piloting an approach that can be rolled out in the wider region. The aim is to encourage a gradual move towards more natural woodland where appropriate and centres on the restoration of ancient woodland that has been planted with non-natives back to native broadleaves. Advice to woodland owners can include management planning, advice on the grants available for activities such as thinning, felling, planting, woodland improvement and also advice on marketing and adding value to timber after felling.
The project links with the Heartwoods woodfuel project, which promotes development of the woodfuel supply chain.