Sylva Foundation invites heritage woodworking and furniture making sector to ‘Carving Change’ Seminar Days to celebrate gender diversity in workshops

Sylva Foundation, an environmental charity based in Oxfordshire, is thrilled to announce its upcoming ‘Carving Change’ seminar days, designed to champion gender diversity and inclusivity across the woodworking sector. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and key partners in industry, this initiative aims to inspire cultural change and greater gender representation across the field.

On November 29th and 30th, ‘Carving Change’ will bring together industry leaders, educational partners, and woodworking professionals to foster dialogue and share strategies for creating a more welcoming, representative sector for makers from marginalised genders.

Cathrin Poppensieker, Project Lead for Sylva Foundation’s Woodworking and Gender Project, invites the community to join:
“Our work with the Woodworking and Gender project is a celebration of change and a step toward a more inclusive and vibrant woodworking industry. Through this project, we aim to uplift women, trans and non-binary makers, create pathways for emerging talent, and foster an environment where everyone can see a career for themselves in the heritage woodwork sector. The upcoming ‘Carving Change’ seminar days will provide a unique platform for sharing insights, stories, and strategies for building a stronger, more inclusive future in wood workshops. We warmly invite all who are passionate about heritage crafts, gender diversity, and creating lasting change to join us.”

With opportunities for networking, panel discussions, and practical workshops, ‘Carving Change’ offers an inspiring platform to collaborate and contribute to a dynamic, more diverse woodworking industry.

Join us at the Sylva Wood Centre, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire, on Friday, 29th or Saturday, 30th November, from 10am to 3pm. Each day offers the same enriching program with distinct keynote speakers and a unique panel discussion. Attendance is free—sign up here