NEWS

HOW TO ACQUIRE YOUR OWN PIECE OF LANCASHIRE

A new range of furniture created entirely out of native Lancashire wood is to be launched by Britain’s oldest chairmaker.

The hand-finished solid ash dining set is part of a drive to get businesses in the region to make more use of renewable native timber.

Preston-based HJ Berry created the Lancashire Woodland Range with assistance and advice from the Lancashire Woodlands Project as part of its Business Support Programme

Woodland Project Officer Paul Bullimore, who is based in the County Council’s Preston offices, said: “One of the main aims of the project  is to encourage good management of local woodlands.

“We also work with local businesses to make more use of local timber, as well as engaging the whole community in woodlands by organising events such as taster sessions in woodland conservation work through to conferences and seminars.”

Paul explained: “Our native woodlands have suffered from under management since the Second World War, when a lot of timber was felled to be used in the war effort.  Then forestry policy encouraged landowners to plant fast growing exotic conifers such as Sitka Spruce at the expense of native trees.

“The Lancashire Woodlands Project started in the early 1990s and has focused on managing and protecting existing woodlands within the county. By encouraging the use of local timber we hope to increase the economic return to woodland owner thus ensuring they are truly sustainable .”

HJ Berry were commissioned to create the Lancashire Woodland Range because of the company’s strong links with the Project.

The firm’s ethos is to be an ‘ecologically sustainable, ecologically beneficial and non-polluting business’ and they have pledged to plant and care for as many trees as possible.

Managing director Andrew Berry – the fifth generation of the Berry family to head the firm - is also a staunch supporter of organisations that seek to protect and enhance the environment.

The firm, which has been based at Kirk Mills in Chipping since the 1890s, is a member of the Lancashire Woodlands Project, Woodland Heritage, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the Centre for Alternative Technology.

They are also members of the Ecological Design Association, among others, and have been awarded full membership of the Quality Guild.

As well as his work with the Lancashire Woodlands Project, Andrew Berry has initiated his own tree-planting project throughout the county.

Andrew said: “Our aim is to establish a large, indigenous, broadleaf woodland containing a diversity of species, including oak, alder, ash, birch and hazel.

“Apart from providing timber for future generations, woodland creates natural habitats for wildlife, as well as enriching the environment for people.”

Andrew added: “The Lancashire Woodland range is created from ash, which is unusual. Most furniture today is made from beech. Not only is ash extremely sturdy, but the open grain of the wood is aesthetically pleasing to look at.

“When you buy the Lancashire Woodland Range you are not only getting an extremely durable dining set, you are also buying into the county’s heritage.”

For details of stockists call HJ Berry on 01995 61226.