Working Woodlands Project

The Working Woodlands project aims to protect, enhance and promote the woodlands of the Greensand Ridge for their biodiversity, heritage and recreational value, their role in the landscape, as providers of ecosystem services, and as part of the rural economy.

Main objectives of the project are to:

better understand our local woodlands, their importance, the challenges they face and possible solutions
raise awareness of the importance of our local woodlands and their management and encourage people to visit and enjoy them responsibly
promote the beneficial and sustainable management of our local woodlands
continue to develop the Working Woodlands Centre as a base for training, education and visiting Maulden Wood, and as a focus for woodland initiatives on the Greensand Ridge

Oh Deer! The impact of deer on the woodlands of the Greensand Ridge

“Oh Deer” is a short film by The Greensand Trust designed to spread awareness and understanding of the impact of deer on the woodlands of the Greensand Ridge in Bedfordshire.

Created with UKSPF funding from Central Bedfordshire Council this film, illustrated by artist Rachael Presky and narrated by Jane Lambourne, is relevant for all UK woodlands.

At just over 3 minutes long, we hope that this short film will provide you with a useful resource to support your own messaging about deer management. Working with artist and animator Rachael Presky allowed us to create a compelling and engaging piece of art to help convey this message in an accessible way. To see more of Rachel’s work, click here

This campaign closely aligns with the recent DEFRA publication regarding the management of deer impacts across England, published 20th February 2026. We are keen to work with like-minded organisations by sharing this film more widely and encourage you to use it as you see fit.

This project has received £7,427 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund administered by Central Bedfordshire Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. It is positioned as the UK replacement of the European Structural and Investment Programme (ESIF).'

The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business and people and skills. For more information, click here.