Green Light Trust awarded vital funding for essential woodland management

Suffolk Community Foundation has awarded Green Light Trust (GLT) funds to support a year of essential management at a much-loved ancient woodland near Bury St Edmunds.

The funding has come from the Axter Climate and Community Fund, which is administered by the Foundation. It will fund experienced tree surgeon and bushcraft instructor Will Poyntz for two days a week for the next year, to lead conservation activities at Frithy Woods in Lawshall, which is an SSSI (site of special scientific interest).

Will’s responsibilities will include managing the ancient woodland, ensuring biodiversity is maximised, trees remain healthy and the woodland is resilient to the effects of climate change so that it can thrive for years to come. He will also use his skills and expertise to supervise groups of local people as they take part in activities such as hedge laying, coppicing and weaving, in turn giving them skills for the future.

Participants from previous programmes in Frithy Wood have moved on to attend agricultural college, complete apprenticeships and even become fully-trained tree surgeons.

Lauren Shand, CEO at Green Light Trust, said: “We are delighted that Axter chose to support us and for their commitment to both the environment and the people we support. This funding enables essential work to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Frithy Wood while providing meaningful opportunities for our participants to learn new skills, build confidence and reconnect with nature. Together, we are ensuring these woodlands remain a sanctuary for wildlife and a transformative space for people to grow and thrive.”

Axter Ltd is a specialist in design, manufacture and maintenance of waterproofing systems and flat roofs, and is driven by sustainability, having recently achieved B Corporation Certification. As a result, it was particularly keen to support with the essential management and maintenance of GLT’s woodlands.

Jamie Watt, Marketing Manager at Axter Ltd said, “At Axter, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to support Green Light Trust’s vital work in preserving and enhancing our natural environment while supporting the wellbeing, confidence and resilience of adults and young people. Collaborating with the Suffolk Community Foundation to support the essential management of Frithy Wood aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a positive impact for current and future generations.”

Anna Hughes, Interim Chief Executive at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support Green Light Trust through the Axter Climate and Community Fund. Their conservation initiatives not only teach people a wide range of skills, but also help to improve mental health by encouraging them to enjoy nature while contributing to the vital management of woodland for others to enjoy. We look forward to seeing how the work carried out over the next 12 months will benefit the glorious natural environment at Frithy Wood for years to come.”

GLT offers expert-led wellbeing and educational programmes in woodlands, helping adults, children and young people to refocus, rebuild their lives and thrive. The charity, which was founded in 1990, hosts groups daily at multiple camps across 10 woodland sites in Suffolk and Norfolk.