HeartWoods – an initiative designed to support and develop the sustainable wood supply chain in the West Midlands – has been launched.
The Forestry Commission‘s director for England, Paul Hill-Tout, said estimates suggested 1,600 people could be working in forestry and related businesses in the West Midlands alone.
HeartWoods, he said, would assist small woodland owners and new businesses by offering advice, guidance and grants.
The project, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Small Wood Association, has already helped 20 businesses and supported seven new business start ups and Mr Hill-Tout believes this is just the tip of the iceberg.
