Edale master of woodwork gets MBE

Wood turner Robin Wood with finnished bowls in his remote workshop above Edale

Robin Wood discovered woodturning, a form of woodwork used to create wooden objects on a lathe, 30 years ago while working in forestry conservation for the National Trust.

Over the years he has been involved in iconic woodworking projects which have included building a traditional tea house in Japan and a replica of the Oseberg Viking ship.

His passion for traditional crafts led him to set up the Heritage Crafts Association in 2009 to preserve and promote heritage crafts as part of our living heritage.

In the same year, he was awarded Artisan of the Year by Country Living Magazine and Balvenie Whisky.

As the chair of the Heritage Crafts Association, he is a fierce advocate for heritage crafts and the value of apprenticeships to attract people into the sector.

Robin said: “These honours are great recognition for the skills and expertise of traditional craftspeople and a boost for the heritage crafts sector.

“Recent TV and radio programmes have shown the growing interest in heritage crafts and the value that heritage crafts can bring to people’s lives.

“I hope this interest will spur more people to become involved with heritage crafts to ensure these traditional skills reach a wider audience and have the chance to thrive.”