A NEW rural resource centre currently under conversion by the South West Forest project near Halwill Junction is set to be a showcase for local woodland related crafts.
Builders have almost completed work on the building, which is due to open in the Spring at Cookworthy Moor, and the search is on for local craftspeople who would like their work displayed.
The building, which has been redundant for several years, is to be shared between South West Forest and original owners of the wooden building the Forestry Commission.
The scheme has come about through funding from Europe, the Rural Development Agency,
Devon County Council and Torridge District Council.
Administrator Maureen Ellis said South West Forest, which had helped 140 farmers in the area diversify into planting and managing woodland, was all about stimulating the rural economy.
'Farming has been in dire straits and farmers have been encouraged to plant trees on their land,' she said.
'A lot have taken up this challenge and for many of them it is something completely new.
'We have had such a good response throughout the area and hopefully other things will follow on the back of that.'
The forest enterprise operates in North and West Devon and North Cornwall — and since its inception two years ago contracts have been given to farmers for planting 2300 acres of new woodland with 1.5 million trees.
Projects officers Jason Sinden said: 'In many situations establishing new woodlands on farmland is financially attractive in the South West Forest area and such woodlands are an asset to the farm. Funds are still available for planting and we are actively seeking more farmers.'
It is intended to hold exhibitions for local crafts in the converted building to promote the use of local timbers and help create jobs and opportunities.
To help generate interest a database will be produced to help visitors find the crafts they are most interested in.
Anyone who would like to have their work displayed should call 01409 221896.