This month
The season is now upon us. The October sessions filled up quickly and we look forward to making a difference again this winter in the woods we work. September saw the AGM, which also included the season launch. In the background sites are being prepared and documentation provided to landowners ahead of the sessions.
Christmas preparations move up a gear and Halloween crafts continue in parallel.
Woodland Wins
We have been invited to be part of Donisthorpe Apple day again on October 11th helping the children make witches brooms. Last year was a great success so we will need a few volunteers to help please.
No need for any experience making brooms, we will do a quick lesson before the public arrive. If you can spare a couple of hours, please book onto the event on the system. The event is 11-3pm.
Woodlands in detail: Parking special.
With several new woodlands and other changes this year it is important you check the parking arrangements for your sessions.
Please check the arrangements before you travel to site:-
Donisthorpe Woodland Park – The car park we normally use adjacent to the “Pavillion” club now has cameras and car parking charges – please do not get caught out as you will receive a fine if you enter the car park. We have been lucky with help from Jen Tatt to obtain the use of a previously unused car park situated on Hill Street in Donisthorpe. There is access on foot from the car park, but check out the full instructions on the booking system.
Swadlincote Woodlands – We are suggesting cars are parked on York Road beside Gresley Park. The woodland is only a short walk away and log collection is from John Street. Check details on the booking system.
Bridge End Copse – Parking is within the site, one of the session team will direct us in. The access point at the gate is clear on the site map on the system.
Smisby Wood – Access is by the gate which is shown on the map on the system. You will be directed in and park on-site.
Foremark Reservoir – As per last season, access by the green gate and parking on site
Pick Triangle – Similar parking arrangements to last season. We will endeavor to get the vehicles on site until the ground conditions deteriorate.
Speak to one of us if there are any questions.
Engaging with Others
“Derbyshire Makes”
We have been successful in our application for a grant from the Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Fund.
This means we will be working with artist Lynne Hollingsworth on a charcoal engagement project next April as part of the Derbyshire Makes festival in Swadlincote. If anyone would like to help out, please let us know.
The Hub
Charcoal Timber
This felling season we intend extracting far more timber for charcoal production. This will mean there will be more processing and storing of timber, it’s even become a science with the calculation of volumes required and how/where it is extracted.
We have more mechanical aid now, but helping hands are still required and members to monitor and manage. Another great opportunity to get more involved as this aspect of the group evolves.
Dragon Watch
The Dragons are back breathing fire after the short break caused by the hot, dry weather.
Our plan is to continue making charcoal through the winter when resource allows, in order to build a stock ready for next season. It’s a good opportunity to get experience on the dragons with the production pressure off for a few months’ so let us know if you would like to get more involved.
It was a busy season this year, so more experienced operators would be very useful next season.
Christmas
A busy session in mid-September included the felling of several trees specifically for Snowman components. The trees were quickly crosscut into hundreds of “bodies and heads” ready for a quick dry before preparing for use.
The photo below gives an idea of the numbers, but this is only half the number required. Once these parts and more for Reindeers are prepared, we will be ready for the arrival of the Heartwood Elves to help put them together ready for sale.
Dave Barker has completed the construction of our signage for the Christmas market and is working with a team to plan the decoration of the area at Rosliston Forestry Centre.
The number of members signed up for the Christmas Market is steadily growing, but there are still places, so please book on if you can.
Don’t forget though, that Hub sessions are open to everyone. The lead-up to Christmas is busy, but if you just want to spend a couple of hours in the woods it can be relaxing at any time. There is always so much to get involved with and something for everyone, no matter what your skills or experience.
Or just come along for the bacon butties!
The sessions are always on the booking system, but to get updates and join the conversation join the WhatsApp group – let us know.
2026 Heartwood Annual General Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the meeting, we had 37 members on the call.
There have been a few changes this year on the committee:-
- Graham has expressed a desire to gradually step back from his lead operations role, so although we have several other members of the ops team, this presents a good opportunity for someone new to get involved over the next year as Graham hands over. Thanks were expressed to Graham for the work he has put into the operational aspect of Heartwood, without it we would not be working with the landowners we are.
- Robin has also stepped back from his role as training lead. The work he has put in over his time in charge of training has transformed the group. All aspects of training and training requirements are now under control and we have a managed plan in place. Peter Hart will be taking over from Robin.
- Finally, Chris Adams asked for any volunteers to take over the chair of the Hub sub-committee at one of the regular Hub meetings. Caroline Smith has offered to take over the role. Thanks to Chris the Hub management team has been formalized, ensuring control of documentation, safety, planning and most of all fun at the regular Hub sessions.
It is very encouraging that succession is beginning to become part of what we do. It’s always difficult to manage this in a voluntary group, so thank you to everyone both outgoing and incoming in these roles – by the way, there’s always something for you if you fancy getting involved!
If you didn’t manage to make the AGM, we did record the meeting which can be viewed on the following link.
Any questions or feedback don’t hesitate to drop us a line
Next month...
- Reflections on the first month of the season
- Christmas updates.