Some members of the Timber Build Network,
brought together by Weald WoodNet to encourage trading in local timber
within the construction industry. Left to right: Steve Corbett (The Green
Oak Carpentry Company), Mark Read (Kent CC), Steve Johnson (Architectural
Ensemble), Matthew Woodcock (Forestry Commission), Nigel Braden (Inwood
Developments).
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As
WoodLots approaches its fiftieth issue, perhaps now is the time to reflect
on the growth of the Weald WoodNet, the project behind the magazine, and to
review the future
Started in 1995, growing out of the
Forestry Commission-led South East Market Development Group (SEMDEV), Weald
WoodNet has brought together partners from across the wood supply chain in
the South East, and by doing so, unlocked cash resources from local
authorities, government and Europe to help develop a more sustainable market
“pull” for our local woodland produce.
From developing the market for wood fuel to engineered timber
buildings and high quality design, WoodNet has worked with its numerous
partners to improve the position for wood.
The fiftieth issue of WoodLots (published late November 2003) will review
Weald WoodNet’s growth over the past 8 years, looking at progress made,
and ground lost, in maintaining an economic justification for sustainable
forestry in our region. We are keen to explore ways of widening the
ownership and management of WoodNet from amongst the very people and
organisations it serves.
We welcome contributions from you the Weald WoodNet participants – your
ideas for maintaining and sustaining the work of the WoodNet, including
WoodLots. For those who prefer
to talk face to face, rather than putting pen to paper (or finger to
keyboard) please take the time to visit us at WoodFair 2003, where we will
be pleased to hear from you, and test out some ideas for the next stage of
WoodNet development.
David Saunders for Weald WoodNet
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