Bradfield Woods is a 70 hectare (173 acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT). It is one of Britain’s finest and most studied ancient woodlands and has been under traditional coppice management since at least 1252. The ancient ash coppice stools at Bradfield are probably more than 1,000 years old and are the oldest living things in Suffolk. SWT’s website has a page on Bradfield Woods which gives more information about the history and wildlife of the woods.
Bradfield Woods Arts and Crafts Group was formed in the mid-1990’s by students who came on woodland craft courses at Bradfield and wanted to keep practising the skills they had learnt. By kind permission of SWT, the group meets once a month all year round in a purpose-built Craft Area near the main entrance to the woods. Members often use timber produced during the traditional coppice management of the woods. The craft area is the group’s “woodland studio”. It has a roof, but no solid walls; this retains the feel of being in amongst the trees and is a cool and shady place to work or visit in June. It’s a bit more of a challenge in January, however!
The group includes Green Woodworkers, who make everyday items for the home and garden using freshly-felled, “green” or unseasoned timber; textile artists and makers, and painters and print-makers who use several different media.
As a thank you to SWT for the help and support we have received over many years, some members of the group will be donating a portion of the proceeds of sales they make during Open Studios to SWT, which is, of course, a registered charity.
