ercol and Sylva Foundation Collaborate with New Collection

This week, renowned heritage furniture maker ercol announced a new collaboration with environmental charity Sylva Foundation, resulting in a limited-edition furniture collection handcrafted from home-grown British timber by students at the Sylva Wood School.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting sustainable woodland management, championing traditional craft skills and increasing the use of responsibly sourced British-grown timber within furniture making.

Founded in 2009, Sylva Foundation works to create a society that lives in harmony with nature through the stewardship of forests and the promotion of home-grown timber. Based in Oxfordshire, the charity supports woodland owners, makers and communities through research, education and innovation, while its myForest platform helps thousands of landowners and managers care for Britain’s woodlands.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Sylva Wood School, where students develop specialist skills working with timber grown in Britain. Participants on the school’s six-month Professional Course worked alongside ercol to create a collection of four furniture pieces crafted from Grown in Britain certified ash.

The collection includes a curved stool featuring traditional wedged tenon joints, a side table with elegantly turned legs, a bedside cabinet with practical storage, and a compact bookcase with adjustable shelf. Each piece has been hand-finished in a white pigment oil that protects the timber while allowing the natural character of the ash to remain visible.

What makes the project particularly noteworthy is the way it connects every stage of the process, from woodland management and material sourcing through to design, craftsmanship and education. It offers a practical example of how Britain’s timber resources can be used to create lasting, well-made furniture while supporting the development of future makers.