Forest Futures - North West case studies

The North West has kindly agreed to share some of the case studies from the Forest Futures programme.

The Forest Futures programme was put forward as the woodland element of the North West Regional Rural Recovery Programme, which was established to help the economy and communities in rural Cumbria recover from the Foot and Mouth Out Break in 2001.

The case studies below could be funded by the RDPE.

Case Studies:

Robert Carr, Shank Wood Log cabin – a project to diversify the farming business into eco-tourism which created a environmentally friendly log cabin for anglers in the middle of a Site for Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Johnathan and Bernadette Stamper, High Head Sculpture Valley – a family business looking to diversify away from its core farming business and created a forward thinking dynamic visitor attraction. They have also recently diversified further to include a beauty spa. The whole project has resulted in the creation of eleven jobs.

Danny Frost, Lowmoor Farm – a furniture-maker turned sawmill operator who’s Forest Futures funding allowed him to expand his business to create new employment, develop sustainable products and integrate his whole business from the raw material to the finished product.

Sarah and Graham Chaplin-Brice – a sustainable diversification project that includes a camping barn, a woodland interpretation and training centre and a tea garden.

Sue Wrennall, Kingrigg Farm – development of a woodland trail for horse riders as part of the farm’s plans to diversify into a livery stables.

Julian Grave, Derwent Charcoal and tree services – a business that pulls together a number of supply chain elements into an integrated, competitive and environmentally sustainable business that includes a tree surgery, two charcoal kilns and supplying charcoal through local businesses.

Matthew Jardine, The View – securing of premises through Forest Futures to build and expand his cabinet making workshop and create both part time and full time employment.

The entire Forest Futures publication is available here.