What's going on?

It's been a while since the last newsletter, mainly due to the start of the season and the work involved in making the sessions happen. There have been lots of changes this year in how the sessions are planned, booked, managed and attended, so plenty to do.

We are already halfway through the season. The weather has been pretty wet, but our sessions have all been held and well attended. The last session before Christmas on the 17th will be the 14th so far. A more detailed update on sessions below.

Can I take this opportunity on behalf of the whole Heartwood team to wish you a fantastic Christmas relaxing in front of those log fires dreaming of bow saws and brash piles. Have a lovely time and look forward to the second half of the season which starts on the 4th January.

Kevin

What's Going On?

Preparation for the coming season continues whilst work at our base is progressing through the working party days. Thank you to everyone who helps out with all of the "off season" work it ensures the success of the group and puts us in a great place for the start of a new season.

The response to the first social media posts regarding the taster day in September has been very encouraging, again thank you to members of the group for sharing and spreading the word.

With the AGM coming up in September please get involved, make suggestions and certainly come along to the meeting, it is more than "just" an AGM, it's our "state of the nation" update on the group.

Kevin

What's Going On?

The summer has rushed upon us and planning for next season is well underway. We've been building a base for the group, processing last seasons timber and attending the TIMBER festival.

As always it's been a busy time, not just for the usual business, but we have lots of enquiries regarding what we do and how we might fit or work with other groups and activities.

Our relationship with the National Forest team continues to open doors and provides opportunities. Working with the National Forest YHA being a great recent example of this.

We have again been successful in securing a woodland management grant for continued work at Woodcote and have secured a woodland enterprise grant from the NFC for the purchase of a winch to assist with problem tree management.

Kevin

What's Going On?

After the busiest season we have experienced as a group I'm pleased to say we have achieved everything we set out to do. The growth of the group has been steady, welcoming many new members during the season with the taster day being a particular success. The work in the woods has been tough at times with ever larger tress to deal with. This has brought with it challenges, but the learning and experience will be invaluable for the future.

As with life in general there's never enough time to sit back and congratulate ourselves. On the last day of the season I had a number of members asking when the new season dates would be out! At the time it seemed like a long way away to plan those, but actually we have made a great start so dates will be out earlier than previous seasons. We will keep you updated via these newsletters.

You will also see more planning for the spring and summer, plus setting ourselves up financially for another season. So as usual there is plenty to do and thankfully members keen to get involved. Don't hesitate to contact me or the committee if you would like to get more involved.

Kevin