The current international supply chain issues affecting building materials have been felt acutely within the timber trade with knock-on effects for customers seeking wood for DIY projects. Timber shortages and high prices serve to highlight the environmental benefits and wisdom of being frugal and reclaiming usable wood from waste. Situated at 4 Suffolk Way, Abingdon OX14 5JX, local social enterprise and charity Oxford Wood Recycling (OWR) have been doing just that for the past 17 years.
OWR is a lot more than a timber merchant. Although the Wood Shop has been described as an Aladdin’s cave of useful wood and quirky items, when it comes to fulfilling its mission to care for the environment and transform lives, all of their business activities are solely for the benefit of our community.
Carterton residents may have seen OWR’s caged trucks scurrying to and from domestic or commercial pick-ups of waste wood. At least 20% of the wood is reclaimed – the rest is recycled – resulting in 350-400 tonnes per annum of timber kept in circulation and available for DIY. Some staff started as volunteers at OWR before being offered permanent roles and they are rightly proud of the support provided to ensure that everyone develops and thrives. In 2021 with help from the Postcode Lottery ‘Wood to Work’ opened, a professional employability service serving individuals perhaps furthest from being able to compete in the jobs market. There have been fantastic early results with four of the first participants being offered employment in the past couple of months.
Don’t forget, Oxford Wood Recycling is located at 4 Suffolk Way, Abingdon OX14 5JX. If you are popping in for some wood or just to look around, you will be warmly welcomed and be assured that the timber and furniture products are hard fought for and come with added value. The service operates around Oxfordshire for wood collection.
For more information see oxfordwoodrecycling.org.uk
Oxford Wood Recycling is holding a MacMillan Coffee Morning on Friday 30 September at 10.00am, keep an eye on their website for more information.
