Sustainable Crediton is delighted to announce that it has received a grant of £2088 from Awards For All for its Firewood from Hedgerows Group. The grant which must be used in the next 12 months is to be used for training group members in traditional Devon hedge-laying techniques, woodland management and basic chainsaw operation. The Firewood from Hedgerows Group aims to provide traditional hedge laying services to landowners, whilst receiving payment in wood taken from the hedgerow. 50 or 60 years ago all hedgerows were managed in this way, but today hedges are flailed by tractor driven equipment and the firewood lost.

Charles Mossman, Vice Chair of Sustainable Crediton and facilitator for the firewood group, explained that " the firewood group has only been operating since February. We have an agreement with a farmer in Newton St Cyres to manage one of his very overgrown hedgerows. The farmer benefits by regaining pasture land lost to scrub and the overgrown hedge and eventually will have a traditionally laid stock-proof hedge, whilst our firewood group will take away tonnes of firewood, have an enjoyable time, learn new skills and keep fit in the fresh air. The grant will enable us to have very specific hedge laying training from the Devon Rural Skills Trust for all our members. "

Dave Dann who is the practical onsite leader of the group went on " we are very conscious of health and safety. At the moment our insurance does not allow us to use power equipment as none of us are fully qualified. With the grant some of us will be able to qualify as chainsaw users for insurance purposes. We also intend to have some training in coppicing and other traditional skills such as charcoal making." 

John Downes, another of the group members, said " once we have had our training we will be able to take on coppice management and help make some of our local woods much more productive." Charles finished off by saying " we are attempting to manage hedgerows and coppices in a traditional and sustainable way for the benefit of landowners, wildlife and of course ourselves. If anyone would like to join our group we will be starting work again in October. You can learn more by contacting me on 01363 866106  or emailing info@sustainablecrediton.org.uk "