News

Charlie Dedman is undertaking a challenging 630 mile trek to raise funds for the Woodland Heritage charity. From 1 April 2024, taking 2.5 months out from his career as a furniture designer for Hampshire firm Gaze Burvill, 32-year-old Charlie from Petersfield, Hampshire will walk from Minehead to South Haven Port along the South West Coast Path, fondly known as the Salt Path.

Being involved in the furniture industry, woodlands, trees and timber are all close to Charlie’s heart, as he explains: “Growing up on the edge of the South Downs National park, and son of a property restorer, I’ve always been surrounded by nature and the processes that complement it.

“Now eight years into a furniture design career at Gaze Burvill – producers of the finest outdoor furniture – I’m pressing pause on CAD, emails and deadlines and hitting the 630 mile South West Coast Path for a new life-affirming challenge.”

Championing UK trees & woodlands

Through its pioneering new woodland in Somerset, research funding and educational courses, Woodland Heritage is helping to create a UK that’s more self-sufficient in timber grown in healthy, well-managed woodlands, which benefit both people and wildlife. Along the way, highlights of Charlie’s trek include the rugged Valley of the Rocks; the cobbles of Clovelly; Rick Stein’s Padstow Fish ‘n’ Chips; and The Minack Theatre grand stage.

John Orchard, Chief Executive of Woodland Heritage, said: “Charlie is an inspiration! We all love trees and woodlands, but it’s surprising that so few of the nation’s woodlands are sustainably managed and the UK is the third largest importer of forest products in the world. During a climate crisis, we simply aren’t making the most of what we have. To change this is a long road; even longer than the 630 miles Charlie will be covering to support Woodland Heritage. Good luck, Charlie, we’re all rooting for you!”

To keep up-to-date with Charlie’s progress and make a donation, visit his Just Giving page. For more information on Woodland Heritage, see www.woodlandheritage.org.