Charlie Undaunted by Britain’s Longest Trail For British Trees

Charlie Dedman, Head of Design at Gaze Burvill, is undertaking a challenging 630 mile trek to raise funds for the charity Woodland Heritage. From 1st April 2024, taking 2.5 months out from his work as a furniture designer for Hampshire based Gaze Burvill, Charlie 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 close to Charlie’s heart: “Growing up on the edge of the South Downs National park, and son of a property restorer, I have always been surrounded by nature and processes that complement it.”

“Now 8 years into a furniture design career at Gaze Burvill, I am hitting pause on CAD, emails and deadlines and hitting the 630 mile South West Coast Path for a new life affirming challenge.”

Through its pioneering new woodland in Somerset, research funding and educational courses, Woodland Heritage is helping create a UK more self-sufficient in timber grown in healthy, well-managed woodlands that benefit 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 rooting for you!”

To see how Charlie is getting on and to make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/charles-dedman-1700169006862