OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSE
Our mission is to improve and boost the wellbeing of people and the planet. To achieve the latter, our focus is on the wellbeing of Caradon Woods: 40-acres of Atlantic Oak woodland on the foothills of Bodmin Moor
caradon wood: a temperate rainforest regeneration project
The UK is ranked in the bottom 10% globally for biodiversity, with about 53% of its original biodiversity. Average species decline since 1975 is 19% and 16% of species are threatened with extinction. Since 1970, our bird population has declined by 40 million.
Temperate rainforests are one of the most biodiverse habitats in the UK. The high humidity and low temperature range create the perfect conditions for moisture-loving lichens, epiphytes and bryophytes and the fauna symbiotically inter-related with it.
Thus by boosting and improving its wellbeing, we can play a small part in mitigating the climate emergency
Since 2016 Greenwood Music has acted as custodians of Caradon Wood. Set in the foothills of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, the woods are temperate rainforest at various stages of development according to the charity Plantlife
Otherwise known as Atlantic woodland, temperate rainforest is found in areas subject to the influence of the sea. Caradon Wood, a rich habitat of oak, birch and hazel woodland, sits firmly within such an area of ‘oceanicity’ and, through our Temperate Rainforest Regeneration project, it is our aim to improve the condition of this rich and biodiverse ecosystem: our environmental impact.
To date, we continue to work in synergy with the woods, supported by our small band of conservation volunteers- the Friends of Caradon Wood- to regenerate and restore Caradon Wood to its former glory. For many years, with little financial support, we relied on the volunteering endeavours of our ‘friend’ and that of our directors.
Since 2023, we have been working closely with the University of Plymouth’s School of Biology and its Sustainable Earth Institute, thus adding an academic partner to support our environmental impact. They bring both academic rigour to our endeavours and, by allowing researchers access to, and active research opportunities in the woods, we are contributing to the evidence base around the benefits and value of temperate rainforest to the UK and globally. Environmental Impact Report from the University click here
In 2024, we received funding through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) initiative funded by DEFRA and distributed in partnership with the Tamar Valley National Landscape. It allowed us to focus on the management and improvement of temperate rainforest.
In 2025, we were lucky enough to receive funding through the Woodland Trust as part of the Rainforest Restoration Fund. This fund was a part of DEFRA’s Species Survival Fund and was delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. This has allowed us to commit resources and conduct specific actions and work packages on different sections of Caradon Wood. We have felled invasive beech trees, improving the light to the understory, thus allowing the seed bank to regenerate and thrive. Brash woodpiles have been created and most of the felled trees have been left on the forest floor, creating invaluable habitats for varied flora, fauna and funga.
in summary
For the past 10 years, we have worked relentlessly to boost and improve the health and wellbeing of Caradon Wood. We have passionate volunteers and a robust academic partnership, which includes experts in the field of temperate rainforest. Through grant-funding, donations and any profit generated through our eco-camping experiences, we will continue to boost and improve the wellbeing of Caradon Wood- our environmental impact- whilst doing the same for people through our social impact work
women+ wellbeing in nature project
In partnership with Fotonow CIC we have been running a series of one-day experiences for members of the Crescent Women+ photography group.
Through a blend of nature connection activities- forest bathing (aka Shinrin Yoku), greenwood craft, artist charcoal making, journal-making & nature journalling- with photography, particpants immersed deeply in our beautiful woods, boosting and improving their wellbeing.
Fotonow staff supported participants to capture their experience using high spec digtal cameras, ultimately telling their story and sharing their experiences through an exhibition of their creative output in Plymouth.
wellbeing in nature for men
https://www.resilientlives.org.uk/dough-bro-sFunded through a National Lottery Awards for All grant and working in partnership with Resilient Lives, a year-long Wellbeing in Nature programme was delivered for members of the mens’ wellbeing group, Dough Bros (Sharing Food- Sharing Feelings), . Building from pizza-making and fire circle sessions in Totnes, a series of one-day experiences were delivered, leading to a two-day, overnight wild-glamp experience in the woods. Over the two days, the group foraged for food, learnt whittling skills and took part in a greenwood craft session.
There were regular fire-circle sessions, time to relax and the food highlight was definitely the sour-dough pizzas on the Saturday night!
Veterans outdoors
Over the past year Greenwood Music has facilitated several workshops including an overnight stay with Veterans Outdoors, a charity who work with veterans as well as those still serving. Having been to the woods on several occasions they have been thoroughly blown away by the peace and quiet and the chance to be in a safe space to have honest conversation with like-minded people.
The feedback from the groups has been great. With them recognising the benefit to their mental health our workshops can bring. Through the conversations taken place individual’s self-confidence has increased, giving some of the people suffering from mental health issues a reason to leave the house. We were told that the workshops acted as a catalyst for motivation to do more, learn new skills and in turn reduce isolation. They really enjoyed learning new skills for their own hobbies and for potential employment prospects. Veterans Outdoors are keen to come back to do more and give back to the environment by conducting conservation work which is key to maintaining our Temperate Rain Forest. Spending time in the woods allowed them the opportunity for respite and to enable individuals to reset and recuperate from busy lives.
