This Social Enterprise based in the Forest of Dean, was formed to create a local supply of sustainably sourced timber for 62 local wood users. All were forced to buy timber from outside the district - often foreign imports and frustrated at being unable to use local timber even though they live in the largest oak forest in the British Isles!
They were determined to set up their own sawmill and kiln, so approached Woodland Heritage. The two founders, Lewis Scott and Peter Goodwin, were so impressed with what Dean Oak had achieved that a cheque was sent to purchase a secondhand Mobile TrekkaMill so that they could mill timber more economically.
The Dean Oak Company has acquired 70 tonnes of mixed logs including Walnut, Cedar of Lebanon, Spalted Ash and Beech, Yew, Sycamore, Scots Pine and others. All the trees were sourced from the area between Painswick & Gloucester and will now be milled to high standards by the members.
Woodland Heritage have invited the cooperative to take part in their field day at The Miserden Estate this summer. The invitation has been accepted - a great opportunity for members to show off their skills and talents at this premier location.
Tim Orson, Dean Oak Co-operative. Tel: 01594 517313.
Editor’s Note: We will be following this project closely and assessing the results in our next issue. Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing the sawmill working at our Field Day on the Miserden Estate.
The mobile saw arrives!