Exploring sustainably harvested wild produce from woodlands

Dewis Gwyllt (Wild Choice) was a three year EAFRD*/Welsh Government funded action learning project, delivered by Llais y Goedwig in partnership with Wild Resources Ltd, that explored:

• developing new supply chains of sustainably harvested wild produce.
• providing valuable income for Wales’ community woodlands.
• supporting the development of new harvesting, processing and marketing methods.
• inviting businesses to experiment with some of Wales’ finest, sustainably sourced produce.
  
  

The project was developed from Llais y Goedwig’s participation in the European Star Tree Project that ran from 2012 until 2016. 

In order to test different methods of harvesting, processing, and marketing, we focused on several products with potential to help generate income:

• Tapping birch and producing birch syrup 
• Sustainable harvesting models for Wild Garlic
• Community picking of elder flower to sell to producers
• Producing essential oils from woodland trees and plants
  
• Tree Seed collection

For each product or process researched we are developing resources, guides and training sessions.

Although this project has ended there are still ways to use the findings from Dewis Gwyllt.

If you are a Community Woodland Group, a volunteer interested in helping your local community woodland group generate vital funds, an owner of woodland and hedgerows that would be willing to grant pickers access to your land to sustainably harvest produce, or a business looking for new and exciting Welsh ingredients – get in touch and we can guide you to resources and suggest connections. 

Visit the Dewis Gwyllt website for more information or contact:  Maria Wilding 
Programme Manager
01654 700061
maria@llaisygoedwig.org.uk