Arun Wood is a small ancient woodland within the South Downs National Park.

About Arun Wood

Rooted in History, Crafted by Hand

Welcome to Arun Wood, a small, historic pocket of ancient woodland nestled in the heart of the West Sussex countryside.

Our mission is simple: to keep traditional British woodland crafts alive while actively protecting and regenerating a vital piece of our natural heritage. Every item in our online shop—from our hand-carved hazel gypsy flowers to our sustainably gathered tinders—tells a story of local history, biodiversity, and responsible land management.

What Makes an "Ancient Woodland" Special?

In the UK, a woodland is classified as ancient if it has been continuously wooded since at least the year 1600. These rare, irreplaceable ecosystems are rich in history and support more threatened species than any other UK habitat.

Arun Wood is a living museum. By managing the land using traditional, low-impact forestry methods, we aren't just harvesting resources—we are maintaining the delicate ecological balance that has existed here for centuries.

Our Practice: Sustainable & Circular

We believe that a healthy woodland thrives when it is actively cared for. Our products are born out of necessary, traditional woodland management practices:

• Coppicing: Cutting hazel stems back to ground level on a rotational cycle. This age-old practice floods the forest floor with sunlight, allowing dormant wildflowers like bluebells and wood anemones to bloom, while providing us with the perfect "green" wood for hand-crafting.

• Responsible Foraging: We hand-gather unique forest products - like our King Alfred's Cakes firelighter fungi - only from fallen or dead wood, ensuring we leave plenty behind to support local insect and wildlife populations.

• Zero Waste: Every branch, twig, and shaving from our workshop serves a purpose. What doesn't become a beautifully carved gypsy flower or a bundle of seasoned kindling goes right back into supporting the forest ecosystem.

Our Promise to You

• 100% Sourced on Site: We never import timber. Every product we sell is grown, harvested, and crafted right here within the boundaries of Arun Wood.

• Plastic-Free Packaging: We honor the earth by shipping our products in 100% recyclable, plastic-free cardboard and paper packaging to ensure your items arrive safely without leaving a footprint.

• Keeping Heritage Alive: Your support directly funds the ongoing conservation, fencing, and preservation of this ancient West Sussex woodland for generations to come.

Thank you for being a part of our story.