Local not-for-profit organisation has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund

The Deer Wood Trust, a not-for-profit promoting sustainability, education, conservation and sustainable living in Loddiswell has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund. 

Local members have the chance to choose The Deer Wood Trust as their cause so we can deliver our project and help more people in the South Devon area.

Founded by Lisa Pugh and Marc Biddle, The Deer Wood Trust is a a 12 acre mixed deciduous woodland that facilitates conservation and hands-on experiential learning in a woodland environment for people inclusive of all social backgrounds, age groups and walks of life.

The Deer Wood Trust 

Lisa said: "As you can imagine, the last 18 months have been really challenging for small, charitable groups like ours. The pandemic has drastically affected our fundraising efforts, so we’re grateful to have this partnership with the local Co-op.

"We are raising funds so we can run outdoor experiential learning and well-being days and courses in Deer Wood for the socially disadvantaged, in particular low-income families, refugees and care leavers.

"Participants will gain new skills and enjoy the proven mental and physical benefits that a connection to nature can give. Activities will include foraging, outdoor cooking, nature connection and outdoor therapies that support mental health. The other benefits of these woodland based activities are: an increased awareness of food sovereignty, healthy eating, plant-based alternatives, and a deepening connection to what we eat.

"Funding will enable us to pay for the ingredients, equipment, travel costs for participants and additional expert tutors and qualified outdoor therapists to assist us in running these hands-on courses in this safe and secluded native woodland. This will enable people who would not normally be able to have access to these types of activities to experience an enriching time, learning and connecting with nature."

A Year of Feast in the Forest - The Deer Wood Trust

Marc continued: "We are hoping to raise enough funds to allow low income families to have access to the 12-hour course called ‘Sustainable Living 4 All’. This informative, earth friendly course is spread over a 4 week period and covers CO₂ busting tips for energy use, buying and cooking food, zero waste and how to be a climate conscious consumer.

"All food activities are set in the relaxed and beautiful setting of the Deer Wood Outdoor Kitchen, where participants will be taste testing, learning from cooking demonstrations, actively creating dishes together and enjoying eating what they have made."

From now till October 2023 when members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 1p from every pound spent goes to support local causes like ours.

Forest and Feast

Co-op members can select us as their local cause by visiting membership.coop.co.uk/causes/deerwood

Marc added: "We really hope that people will visit the Co-op website or download the Co-op app and select us as their Local Community Fund cause so we can continue making a difference."