Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the reduction in fuel poverty locally; health benefits of working outside in a 'green gym'; increased wellbeing from the social contact and working together to 'give something back'; and by gaining qualifications and learning more about sustainability.
Our story
Axewoods is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that aims to address local fuel poverty by supplying, free of charge, wood fuel to those in need. We provide free woodland management in return for the timber we extract. The Log Bank is an initiative to make dry, seasoned logs available, free of charge, to local people in fuel poverty and those in need of help or advice (similar to a food bank). We accept referrals from all local agencies such as Age UK, food banks, churches, NHS and informal networks to promote the Log Bank and reach those in need.
Research shows that rural deprivation and fuel poverty can affect all levels and ages across a community – particularly the elderly. East Devon is a rural area with a very high elderly population and pockets of real deprivation. Many Council and Social Housing properties have no gas supply and use expensive metered electricity - but some have multi-fuel stoves fitted and some have open fires. Unfortunately, those in need are often burning unsuitable wood and other materials on these stoves which causes damage that is expensive to repair.
Buying cut, split and seasoned logs is expensive - whilst felling, collecting and processing timber is dangerous, hard work and often impossible for individuals. Our team of skilled, trained and fully qualified volunteers have access to woodlands and, working with the East Devon Countryside Team, we have established a base where we can store and process timber. We have recently purchased a portable mill so that we can produce sawn timber from suitable wood. This is available to members and local community organisations who may wish to build or repair structures or buildings.
Our membership is now an eclectic mix of ages, gender, and background and all bring wide experience - we rely on them to keep us on track and develop new initiatives.
Our advice
Local informal networks are often the way to reach people who wouldn't access the 'formal' system.
By helping our volunteers to get NPTC qualifications we can help their career.
Many people are finding the 'green gym' a great way to get exercise and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
