This project aims to enhance ecological engagement with urban woodland using digital design and community fabrication of public furniture from hardwood trees in Lesnes Abbey Woods, London.
The project will take place at a newly built woodland hub and engage established community volunteer groups in advocacy for the local ecology. Connecting woodland management, in-situ use of harvested timber, and amenity access to woodland, the project will create a template for ecological citizenship in other community woodlands.
Photo: Prototype roundwood deck. Student-making workshop, Lesnes Abbey Woods, April 2025. Photography: George Fereday.
Project details
Research team
Team members
Ian Holt, Estate Manager, Lesnes Abbey Woods, London Borough of Bexley
Funder(s)
Ecological Citizen(s) Network+
Duration
September 2025 – August 2026
More about the project
- To provide naturally durable, untreated exterior woodland furniture for local amenity use in new glades created through forestry thinning operations, using timber extracted from the site
- To provide lightweight, stackable interior-grade furniture for occasional use at community woodland hub, supporting the expansion of ecological awareness teaching programmes
- To deliver both digital and physical exhibitions that disseminate project outcomes and inspire similar initiatives in other community woodlands
- To enhance local ecology whilst improving access to, and use of, local community woodland.
