BBC Radio Shropshire visits Lightmoor Village Woodland project

A woodlands project supporting veterans in Telford to transition back into civilian life has been featured on BBC Radio Shropshire. Funded by the Veterans Foundation, the woodlands programme is led by Small Woods, the UK association for woodland stewardship and care, with support from Bournville Village Trust.

Every Monday veterans go to Squatters Cottage, which is managed by us and they are given the opportunity to learn new skills, such as green woodworking which is a form of woodworking that uses ‘green’ or unseasoned timber. The programme is particularly vital for veterans facing challenges with their mental health.

BBC Radio Shropshire visited this week and spoke to BVT Estates & Stewardship Manager, Fleur Hemmings, as well as Small Woods and veterans who attend.

Other veterans like Jon Flint, who served in the Royal Marines for 13 years commented: “After serving in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq, I struggled to transition to civilian life, especially as I’ve recently moved to the area and gone through a divorce. However, since joining the woodlands project, it’s given me a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a supportive community and it gives me a reason to get out of bed.”

Bill Wells, served in the Royal Logistics for nearly ten years. He said: “Since leaving service I’ve struggled and find it hard living in society. This programme has given me a reason to get up every week, somewhere I feel I belong and a feeling of achievement while giving me the space I need when I need it.”

If you’d like to listen to the interview, you can do this via the BBC Iplayer. The interview aired on the Adam Green morning show at 6.14am & 8.08am (which includes interview from Small Woods CEO) (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_shropshire)

If you’d like more details about the woodlands project you can contact Rebecca Vincent-Evans via [email protected] or call 01952 432769.