This month

The past few weeks have been busy at the Hub, with the final gathering of timber from Edwards Wood adding to our charcoal stock and a good haul of birch brash set aside for later in the year.

There’s been plenty of interest in the group following the BBC Countryfile visit, and alongside all this, planning for next season is already well underway.

Woodland Condition update – drying out, but still cautious

Woodland Wins

Next season’s session programme is now complete in draft. With new site additions and the inclusion of coppicing, we’re maintaining a similar number of sessions, with final adjustments to follow with landowners. I think that should do nicely for everyone.

Our National Forest Woodland Grant applications have also now been submitted.

Engaging with Others

The National Forest recently hosted an event bringing together several major businesses through the Ecologi platform, which supports organisations in measuring and reducing their environmental impact.

After their woodland board meeting in the morning we provided a nest box making session, with boxes branded for the occasion.

We also have two charcoal sessions planned for 5th and 12th May, where home-educating families will join us at the Hub. Volunteers to help are very welcome.

Finally, we’re looking forward to a visit from the Swadlincote Social Prescribing team, who are exploring whether involvement with Heartwood, particularly the social Hub element, could support wellbeing.

Countryfile

We were very privileged to be included in the special 10 millionth tree planting edition of BBC Countryfile, alongside only a handful of other National Forest groups.

The filming team visited the Hub, with John Craven joining us to see, and take part in the charcoal process. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase what the group does, and everyone involved did us proud.

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The Hub - Project Updates

Terry and Deb’s Toilet Titivation

Thanks to Terry and Debbie, the composting toilet has been treated to a coat of woodland-friendly green preservative and now includes a couple of discreet windows to let in natural light. It’s looking very professional.

Workbench / Portable Tables

We’ve taken delivery of several scaffold planks to make a set of trestle tables for use at the Hub and at external events.

Again, Terry has done a superb job of salvaging timber from our pallet stocks and built trestles for the planks. We now have two sturdy portable tables ideal for next box building sessions.

Extra Hard Standing

The request for hardcore has gone well, and work is now underway to create a hardstanding area near the inner gate.

More rubble and a bit of muscle is still needed. (No screws or nails though please!)

The Hub Update

Thank You

Thank you for the increased charcoal production over recent weeks. The demand created by our recent sales drive, before and after Countryfile has been very encouraging.

We’re shaping up for a busy BBQ season.

Dragon Watch

Charcoal production is now in full swing, with stock levels currently low following a successful sales push led by Dave Barker. Thanks to this effort, we now have several local outlets stocking our charcoal. If these continue to perform well, they should help offset the loss of Calke sales.

We’re always keen for more members to learn how to run the Dragons, join a TOITW session or keep an eye out for dedicated burns.

With increased demand comes the need for more processed timber. We have good stock, but it needs cutting and seasoning - many hands make a real difference here.

If you’ve ever fancied being a Dragon whisperer, now’s a good time.

*STOP PRESS* A butcher in Leicester having seen us on Country file has also placed an order for 60 bags which again thanks to the members efforts we have managed to fulfil ahead of the promised delivery date!

Menu Update (TOITW)

Breakfast at the Hub continues to centre around bacon and sausage, as nature intended.

However, a bold introduction of fried halloumi has caused something of a stir. It turns out that when cooked over an open fire, even cheese can hold its own - there may be no going back.

The “C” Word

It may only be May, but planning for Christmas is already underway. This year includes two weekends at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

You will have received an email with more details and a request for support.

It’s not just about making items, we’re aiming to deliver a professional and enjoyable experience. Roles include welcoming visitors, taking payments, distributing kits, supporting builds, quality checking, helping with photos, and potentially selling other Heartwood goods.

The events are now live on the booking system.