Woodland Instead
We’re a local Community Interest Company made up of environmentalists, local residents and scientists from Uni of Southampton.
Michael Mew
Co-Director & manager
Michael, a former phosphate consultant and resident on the Isle of Wight, has years of experience in project and land management and a passion to restore woodland and nature.
Dr Tina Christmann
Co-Director & scientist
Tina, a restoration ecologist and lecturer in environmental sciences, has a passion for biodiversity, woodlands and outdoor recreation.
Ben Asher
Habitat Survey Expert
Ben, an aquatic scientist and keen bird watcher and climber, provides crucial insights with his deep knowledge of habitat assessments and environmental studies.
How we are run
At first, our aim was to use grant money as capital to buy a field and restore it, but the limitations of that route (mainly in terms of timing) led us to our current plan, which is to purchase the field privately and long-lease it (30 years plus) to Woodland Instead to enact the project.
Being a Community Interest Company, Woodland Instead has several advantages and safeguards:
Firstly it is a not for profit company – all gains will be used in furthering the project aims.
Secondly, it is strictly independent, so is beholden to no pressure groups or lobbyists. Initially the CIC was set up by two unpaid founding Directors, one is the investor buying the field and the second is a Lecturer at the University of Southampton teaching Ecological Restoration. We have no doubt that the number of people administering and advising the CIC will grow as the project proceeds.
Thirdly, the CIC contains an Asset Lock – that is any money coming into the company has to be used to further the aims of the CIC as set out in its Articles of Association. Even if the CIC closes, any assets are automatically transferred to a charitable organisation, in this case the Woodland Trust.
This level of open governance is needed to demonstrate that the capital risk lies entirely with a private individual and that project delivery will not only be in that individual’s interest, but it will be supported by the expertise and resources of the University of Southampton as expressed in their Memorandum of Understanding
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