Alternative wood network

Local markets for food and woodland products are essentail to build community resilience and maintain our links to the land. Support them!

Have you ever been to a street market or farmers’ market, received a mail-order veg box, or even just bought some locally-made honey or jam? Chances are, most people will be able to say yes to at least one of these. That’s because, despite the dominance and huge power of the supermarkets, there are still alternative options for buying food. 

Indeed, during the early days of the Covid pandemic, when supermarket shelves became bare for the first time in living memory for many people, it was the so-called ‘alternative food network’ of veg-boxes, mutual aid and grow-your-own that remained resilient. That’s because, instead of relying upon complex, distant “just in time” supply chains used by supermarkets, local food networks rely on local growers and loyal customers, and are able to rally together in times of crisis. 

The steadfast popularity of farmers’ markets and veg box schemes show that there is consistent demand for doing things differently – buying food locally, buying organic, supporting our farmers and growers, and fighting food waste, plastic packaging and other environmental and social issues. If you’ve not checked it out yet, take a look at the Open Food Network and find your nearest alternative food supplier today.

But what’s all this got to do with CoedNet, I hear you ask? When it comes to buying woodland goods and services, or even knowing what’s out there, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking for a woodland service or experience, there’s Google of course, but many woodland enterprises are not well represented digitally. If you’re after timber products, there are the ‘supermarket’ equivalents (naming no names!) But how sustainable are their products, where are they sourced from, and what about a more local alternative? 

This is where CoedNet comes in! CoedNet aims to be the direct link between ethically-minded consumers and a myriad of small-scale, sustainable and sometimes artisanal woodland makers, producers and service providers, all with something unique to offer. Many are beavering away in woodlands and workshops across Wales, and may not have the time, expertise or 4G signal to run an online shop, create a Google profile, or share regular updates. But a directory page on CoedNet gives you all you need to know about what they sell and how to connect with them.

Over time, we think CoedNet has the potential to grow into something similar to the Open Food Network, with lots of businesses and woodland groups offering their woodland products and services on one unified platform. 

CoedNet, which has just launched, offers consumers a way of unearthing this fantastic but sometimes hidden network of Welsh woodland producers. For woodland groups and enterprises it offers a ‘shop window’, at no expense, as well as new ways to connect with potential customers and other woodlanders in their local area. Cooperation and collaboration can be fostered through CoedNet. The directory also, quite literally, puts them on the map, many for the first time. 

So if you go down to the woods today, or visit CoedNet, you’re sure of a big surprise..! 

• If you’re involved in a Welsh woodland enterprise and would like a FREE listing on the site to showcase your products, services or experiences, then get in touch and we’ll send you the online application form.