National Beanpole Week, 19th-27th April 2008

Background Information
National Beanpole Week is being run by the Small Woods Association – it will highlight the importance of coppicing and Britain’s coppiced woodlands, encouraging people to support their local managed coppiced woods by buying hazel beanpoles, and other products made from coppiced wood.

Sustainably-managed coppiced woodlands are rich in biodiversity and provide a valuable habitat for plants and animals. As well as producing excellent beanpoles, and other products, managed coppiced woodlands support the rural economy and provide local employment, keeping ancient skills and traditions alive.

Small Woods Association
www.smallwoods.org.uk
National Beanpole Week is run by the Small Woods Association (SWA), as is the Green Wood Centre.

The SWA works to increase the use of wood products from local, sustainably-sourced timber. The organisation also provides a national voice for small woodland owners and supports initiatives to bring small woodlands into multi-purpose management for local benefit.

Green Wood Centre
www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk
Based in Coalbrookdale just a short way from historic Ironbridge, the Green Wood Centre, which is run by the Small Woods Association, is an innovative interpretation centre for woodland management, coppicing, sustainable building and other sustainable technologies.

The centre promotes sustainable living through a wood based economy, by running courses in woodland management and related activities. The site has one of the UK’s most energy efficient timber buildings and is now the national centre for excellence in the field of crafts and coppice.

The Green Wood Centre is home to the Ironbridge Woodland Experience, which includes a ‘state of the art’ woodland hall, a vegetarian wholefood cafe, a retail outlet for coppice products, displays of coppice tools, coracles in all stages of construction and woodland walks around the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Useful Websites:
www.allotmentforestry.com
A community project working with gardeners to increase the use of local woodland products in the garden and at the allotment.

www.coppice-products.co.uk
Directory of suppliers of products made from coppiced wood.