Andrew and Peter Massey’s
Woodland Regeneration Project grew out of their father’s cabinet making
business.
They now sustainably manage 100 acres of their own
woodland and other pieces for organisations such as English Nature.
The woods are managed to provide timber for their
furniture making business. No pesticides or herbicides are used. Rabbit
damage is prevented by the use of electric fencing.
Charcoal is produced using only waste wood from the
furniture production. In the UK 93% of charcoal is imported, usually from
unsustainable sources. This project’s charcoal is sustainable and doesn’t
require transporting thousands of miles from source to market.
In addition to making furniture the brothers run
training courses for the European Union and Kent County Council. They hope
to open a training and marketing centre under the Intereg II scheme.
The project is also developing low impact housing - they
have built a replica iron age round house which cost only £2000 to
construct, and are constructing a rammed earth building using local stone
and compacted local soil.
A major project that is being undertaken is the removal
and reconstruction of Yonsea farm. The farm which is of great historical
significance lies on the route of the channel rail link at Hothfield. By
moving it to Woodchurch it will be preserved for future generations. The
farm was designed by John Nash and built between 1816 and 1819, it
provides an excellent model for organic farming. It is planned that the
reconstructed farm will be run as it originally was. It will be open to
the public through the Rare Breeds Centre.
During the reconstruction several apprentices will be
taken on. A combination of on the job training and day release will give
the trainees unique skills in construction. The public will be able to see
the reconstruction in progress and enjoy the working farm when it is
finished in hopefully four years’ time.
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