The viability of Social Enterprise

The project is commercially viable and is capable of generating more income than it needs for both survival and future improvement. Hill Holt Wood, a woodland of similar size and character situated in Lincolnshire, is currently operating very successfully using a similar (although not identical) business model.
Hill Holt Wood has been universally hailed as an example both of good practice and of what can be achieved and currently employs 15 people and returned a profit of £80K In their latest trading year, with a turnover of £300K.

Conventional agricultural business wisdom indicates that employment of 15 people would only be justified on a farm of at least 1,000 acres and that a woodland of their size (or ours) can only support ½ a worker. However, these figures assume only mechanised high volume timber extraction activities and no community involvement.

The Woodland Project will include several business activities, all of which will help create new jobs in an area in which paid rural employment is difficult to find.

This Project offers an opportunity to demonstrate both to woodland owners and farmers possible ways for diversification, both of woodlands and farm land, using sustainable methods which actively involve the local community.