Charles Dedman has taken a nine week sabbatical break from furniture design at the luxury outdoor furniture company Gaze Burvill, to traverse 630 miles of coastline along the South West Coast.

Dedman is hoping to raise £10,000 for Woodland Heritage by 2nd June when he is hoping to have passed the Dorset finishing line.

The Woodland Heritage was founded by a group of traditional cabinet makers who wanted to improve the way in which trees were grown, maintained and harvested in the UK. This small group of environmentally minded producers was rapidly joined by many hundreds of individuals with concerns for our woodland environment, furniture retailers, timber merchants, tree growers and colleges. Woodlands are capable of growing high quality timber whilst providing an environment that supports wildlife, but only if properly and continuously managed. Woodland Heritage will seek to help through funding projects, grants and travel bursaries, research, education, spreading the word via woodland to workshop and field weekends, and co-operating with like-minded initiatives.

“As a furniture designer in Hampshire for the past 8 years, the provenance of the timber used in my work has always been a point of interest and importance. That’s why I’m excited to be fundraising for Woodland Heritage, an organisation that promotes sustainable forestry in the UK through education and research. Their work ensures that woodlands are enjoyed and used by woodworkers and nature lovers for generations to come”, explained Dedman.

Dedman’s progress can be followed here, and for those keen to support his cause can do so via his JustGiving page.

“Thank you for your support and maybe see you along the way…!”, added Dedman.