About DCSG

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Mission Statement

The Devon Coppice & Smallwood’s Group supports and promotes underwood workers and associated craftspeople. We work to restore coppice as a sustainable resource, increase/protect biodiversity and seek to educate and provide opportunities to re-establish Smallwood culture in Devon.

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DCSG aims:

  • To promote the DCSG activities, the practice of Coppicing and its products.
  • To encourage communication and the exchange of information, provide a forum for discussions and the sharing of new ideas, skills, contacts, and resources.
  • To provide a collective voice for the coppice industry in Devon.
  • To provide a link between the public, industry, relevant agencies, landowners and to influence policy and decision makers on conservation and forestry issues.
  • To seek opportunities for education and training for members of the DCSG and the general public.
  • To seek funding to further the aims of the DCSG and support partner organisations in the same.
  • To develop long term relationships with landowners.
  • To facilitate cooperative working among members of the DCSG.
  • To encourage and promote the highest environmental, ethical and craft standards in coppicing and related skills.
  • To organise woodland events and gatherings for members to attend.
  • Identify and protect woodland heritage in Devon.

Organisational Structure

The work of DCSG is overseen by a management committee of volunteers. The DCSG Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in June or July each year (date TBC). The purpose of the AGM will be to elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. The DCSG management committee will be made up of 4 as a minimum, with the option of proposing further management committee members as needed.

There are also a number of sub-committees that are set up to focus on specific areas or tasks, such as charcoal burning or DCSG media and marketing.

Chairman and AGM

A Chair will be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Chair’s period of office shall not exceed two years in total, after which the Chair must stand down for a minimum period of one year. In the event that no replacement is found, the Chair may stand again, however every effort to encourage a successor should be made. Election to the committee shall be for one year terminating at the closure of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Those retiring shall be eligible for re-election.

Management and Members

The management committee will hold meetings at least three times a year to conduct administration of the DCSG. Minutes of management committee meetings will be kept, circulated to the management committee, and made accessible to all Members upon request.

Membership is open to coppice workers, woodland owners, and anyone with a general interest in supporting and/or promoting the benefits of coppice and small woods management. The DCSG financial and membership year shall run from 25th June each year. There is an annual membership fee and payment of membership subscriptions will be due on the 25th of June annually. The annual subscription amount will be determined at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year.  Any Member who has not paid their membership subscription within one month of the due date will cease to be a member. To apply or re-apply, please fill in our application form Here

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Committee Members

  • Chris Wilmoth

    DCSG Committee | Chair
    Exmoor

  • Jane Baker

    DCSG Committee | Treasurer
    Teign Valley

  • Fletcher Coney

    DCSG Committee
    Bickleigh, Tiverton

  • Emma Capper

    DCSG Committee | Website Management
    South Brent

  • James Dyson

    DCSG Committee
    South Brent

  • Joanna McClure

    DCSG Committee | Secretary | Members' Secretary | Website Management