Furniture project will help woods to flourish

[Josher]

Good to see something so positive coming out of a canal restoration project ...

 

This is Sussex Article with photographs

 

A CHARITY has turned to craftsmanship after taking on an old timber mill. Hidden away up a country lane in Mickleham lies Norbury Park Wood Products, which is managed by Surrey Widlife Trust. The sawmill was originally set up in the 1970s to repair parts of the Basingstoke canal, but was transferred to the charity by Surrey County Council in 2002. Since then, new machinery, staff and more efficient production has seen the site develop into a hub of creativity. From signposts and notice boards to handcrafted furniture and benches, everything at the mill is made from locally-sourced timber.

 

Manager Phil O'Donoghue, 57, said helping the community lies at the heart of the charity's work. "We are going to pass the woodlands on to the next generation in a better state," he told the Advertiser. "Where we can, we use hard wood, mainly oak, from woodlands in the South East of England that are managed to Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) standards. This means our customers can be sure that we are not damaging the long-term future of the woodland and are protecting the wildlife that depends upon it. When pine or other softwoods are needed, we try to use timber from Surrey Wildlife Trust's own sites. In many cases, these are heathlands where Scots pine is being removed for the revival of threatened wildlife."

 

Mr O'Donoghue, who lives in Dorking, added: "All our offcuts are used to heat the workshop and our sawdust is given away to local farmers. It's self-sustaining." The mill is operated by five craftsmen and a team of about 10 volunteers. One of them, Bryan Dennis, 64, who also lives in Dorking, said: "Most of the volunteers are retired and we just look forward to it."

 

An open day will be held at the sawmill next month. The event takes place on Saturday, September 11 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The team will be running live displays of a steam engine-driven saw, cutting oak trees and producing furniture. Parking is available at the mill or at the other main car parks in the park with a one-mile stroll to the mill.

 

For more details call 01372 457377.