Keith O’Brien set up Woodcraft For Landscapes in 2004 with himself as the only member of staff and three people with learning disabilities. Based at the old bowling green in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, the company provides gardening and landscaping services. It boasts:
- three to four permanent staff. (including one designated wood work teacher/worker);
- three volunteer workers, which include two gardeners and one office worker;
- 60 foot long wood workshop, with brand new working electrical woodwork tools (Electric saws, drills etc.);
- large commercial glasshouse and a 60 foot polytunnel.
Now registered as a Community Interest Company, the organisation has five directors ranging from a former school deputy head teacher, a bank manager, an ex-city mayor and a City & Guilds lecturer. Woodcraft has 23 clients/members with various physical and learning disabilities.
Projects undertaken by Woodcraft For Landscapes include:
- St. Matthews Church in Sunderland – Cemetery and church garden maintenance.
- Old Miners Homes
- St. Gregory’s School
- Fisburn Ladies and School Teachers Allotments
- winter and summer hanging baskets = made available for sale to the general public
- vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, garlic and courgettes also available for sale to the public
- various garden furniture, ranging from bird tables to garden chairs and tables.