Nothing can be quite as relaxing or food for the soul as taking a stroll through a stunning woodland on a glorious sunny day, listening to the wildlife getting busy high in the branches or rustling through the undergrowth.
Many of the United Kingdom’s woodlands are quite ‘new’ as far as history goes, but just 2% of them are designated as ‘ancient’, as in 400 years old and older.
It is worrying then, that this tiny percentage of ancient woodland dating back to the age of the Tudors and Stuarts and earlier now finds itself under threat from our modern lifestyle with it’s desire to expand and hunger for timber.
The Woodland Trust campaigns on behalf of our country’s woods, plant trees, and restore ancient woodland for the benefit of wildlife and people. Through a series of campaigns to promote careful management of these areas and by engaging with landowners, businesses and communities about the threat to these areas, the charity is making sure they are protected and restored for future generations to enjoy.
This video brilliantly illustrates what ancient woodlands are, their beauty and how irreplaceable they are.
As woodturners and woodworkers, I feel we each must have a responsibility to use timber from responsible and sustainable sources but also, perhaps, to give something back to those ancient woodlands that our modern lifestyle has put under threat.
How Hampshire Sheen and Customers Will Help
As a company, Hampshire Sheen is in a great position to help the brilliant work of The Woodland Trust, so in 2018, 15p from every tin of High Gloss and Original Lustre wax sold will be donated to The Woodland Trust and specifically their work to protect and rejuvenate the UK’s ancient woodland. I’ll be keeping the websites up to date with new of donations and other information about the charity’s protection projects.
Every tin made from 1st January will have a special lid sticker (above), so you know that your purchase has helped The Woodland Trust achieve their goals.
Thank You, Thank You, Hampshire Sheen Customers!
Since the Harrogate Show in November, and to get the ball rolling, Hampshire Sheen customers have already enabled the company to donate £100.00 towards the work of the Woodland Trust, specifically for their work with ancient woodlands. Thank you so much for your custom in 2017. I can’t wait to get into 2018 and help them out even more.
For more information about the Woodland Trust, have a look at their superb website at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk. Whilst there, look on the interactive map and find woodlands local to you under their care and perhaps plan a visit to one of the ancient woodlands your purchase of Hampshire Sheen will go to support.
Images used with permission from The Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885). A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.