BRINGING WOODLANDS TO LIFE
Ian is a biologist/ecologist by training and prior to coming to Small Woods in 2016, he worked in range of public, private and voluntary sector roles. These roles included Director of an international development consultancy; Rural Economy Policy lead at Defra; and Head of Rural Programmes at one of the former Regional Development Agencies. Prior to this he worked variously for Countryside Commission, Countryside Council for Wales and the National Trust. Always having an interest in woodlands, Ian spent his formative years amongst the Beech Hangers of the Cotswolds with much of the following years spent in the woodlands of the Mid Wales, Cumbria and the Severn Valley, where he now lives with his family. Ian has been involved in a number of woodland initiatives throughout his career, for instance he was one of the main instigators of the Heartwoods project, which was run by Small Woods between 2010 and 2014. He was also a trustee of the Green Wood Trust prior to its amalgamation with the National Small Woods Association in 2000.
Contact: ianbaker@smallwoods.org.uk
Jane has 20 years of experience working in communications in the charity sector, including publicity, press, photography and film roles. She originally joined the Small Woods team in 2018 as a Publicity Coordinator for our work in Wales, moving quickly into a UK Communications Officer role as a job share with I-Cheng Austen. As a new member of the Senior Management Team, Jane now co-ordinates the Small Woods Communications Team, developing a new communications strategy and brand, and project managing communications activities and staff. Jane is based in Machynlleth in mid Wales.
Contact: janebaker@smallwoods.org.uk
Amanda has been working in the environmental sector for the last thirty years building experience, knowledge and understanding of woodlands and the people that are part of the wooded landscape. She has worked for the Small Woods Association since 2014 as a project officer for the European SIMWOOD project, which aimed to increase the movement of wood from forests and woodlands in Europe. Her current role includes work on woodland management and policy, delivery of projects, and overseeing member services including advice and events.
Contact: amandacalvert@smallwoods.org.uk
Deb is the Business Manager here at Small Woods. She has a background in IT and business management and worked for a large law firm for twelve years. Her role here is to manage the financial and administration functions of the organisation. She has a team of 4 staff – I-Cheng, Judith, Lorraine & Stuart – who assist her to help Small Woods run as smoothly as possible.
Contact: debcheetham@smallwoods.org.uk
Julia is Development Officer at Small Woods with a responsibility for Fundraising and income generation. She has a background in Sales and Marketing in the Hospitality sector and as a freelance Fundraiser for small charities.
Contact: juliaallinson@smallwoods.org.uk
I-Cheng splits her time between two roles: Communications Officer for Small Woods and BBO Administration Assistant for the Build-a-Bench programme. In her role as Communications Officer, I-Cheng creates the members’ e-Newsletter, which goes out twice a month. She also works on the communication of the Green Wood Centre site and on social media for the charity.
I-Cheng supports the Build-a-Bench programme by organising the essential paperwork for participants and maintaining records and documents on the database for our funders.
She has a background in journalism and previously worked on newspapers in Lincoln, Plymouth and Dubai.
Contact: ichengausten@smallwoods.org.uk
Derek is the Smallwoods magazine editor. He’s also a freelance writer and his books include A Tale of Trees, the battle to save Britain’s ancient woodland.
Contact: editor@smallwoods.org.uk
Sonia’s Administration Office roles sees her working mainly on membership as well as Records Management and General Data Protection. Sonia originally qualified as a Librarian and over the last few years has moved into an information and records management advisory role. Outside of work Sonia is a keen walker, reader, crafter and gym-goer!
Contact: soniaroberts@smallwoods.org.uk
Contact: judithadams@smallwoods.org.uk
Nadia first came to the organisation as an intern, and enjoyed her experience so much that when the opportunity came up to work with us, she couldn't refuse. Initially working as a Communications Officer for Small Woods, Nadia now has the role of Course Development Assistant, assisting with course development and promotion.
Contact: nadiaclarke@smallwoods.org.uk
Contact: teresabailey@smallwoods.org.uk
Coed Lleol (Small Woods Wales) is the name for the Small Woods Association in Wales. We have a central office in Machynlleth, Powys, and local project staff based across Wales.
Visit our Coed Lleol (Small Woods Wales) page to find out more or contact staff based in Wales.