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There is a quiet and steady revolution taking place in British woodlands. Habitat, wildlife and resources are being cared for and enhanced with traditional approaches and skills. People are returning to woodlands for their livelihoods and sustenance. Craftmanship is once again taking root amongst the trees. But perhaps the most telling feature of all is the sound of chattering and laughter, as an endangered species can be heard once more. A precious indicator of woodland, and human health: the playing child is finding it's way back to the woods.

A glance into our woodland heritage shows it was not so long ago that British woodlands were a hub of human activity and creativity. This creativity sits hand in hand with stewardship and has been established within our woods far longer than it has been more recently absent.

Our traditions offer us the knowledge and skills which are essential for the future sustainability of our woodlands, and they must be practiced so as not to be forgotten.

Sustainable woodland management methods such as coppicing create and conserve beautifully diverse and abundantly productive woodlands, and have the potential to help address future fuel security issues within communities.

The Heartwood Project is restoring neglected coppice in an ancient woodland within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We aim to help revive and share traditional crafts and skills, promote woodland heritage as a bridge to woodland futures, and welcome everyone back to the woods.