The Sylva Wood Centre is a hub for small businesses and craftspeople who design, innovate or make in wood. It is also the home of the Sylva Foundation.
The centre provides dedicated space, equipment and an inspiring community of woodworking professionals. Alongside business units for established businesses we provide facilities to support business incubation.
We occasionally open the centre for exhibitions, especially during Oxfordshire Artweeks. We offer a range of regular courses in wood and related crafts for members of the public.
Surrounding the buildings we've planted a community orchard, complete with an apiary, and a demonstration Future Forest with tree species that may thrive despite climate change, pests and diseases. We have a new dedicated forest education area with space for children to learn about and enjoy woodland.
"Our new partnership with Sylva means we can provide our graduates an ideal first step towards launching their own businesses." Joseph Bray, Programme Leader FdA|BA Furniture Design and Make, Rycotewood Furniture Centre, City of Oxford College
Join our business community
We offer dedicated incubation facilities at the Sylva Wood Centre which suit business start-up and serious hobbyists. We operate a 'hot-benching' scheme available offering weekly rental in a communal space, with access to a well-equipped machinery workshop.
We offer rental units for established wood-related businesses.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Wood Centre Courses
The Sylva Wood Centre offers a prime location for learning and skills development in wood and related crafts. Courses are run among a thriving community of wood businesses, with excellent specialist facilities, surrounded by an attractive landscape.
Find out more and view our current courses on offer
We are always pleased to hear from wood and craft tutors to extend our range of courses.
We host a growing number of businesses working in wood and related crafts at the Sylva Wood Centre. As a dedicated business centre, not a visitor centre (except during special events), people are asked to contact a specific business prior to visiting. You will find relevant contact information below.
| Business | Description | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Buchan Furniture | Bespoke Furniture Maker | www.alibuchan.com | |
| Chris Boreham Bespoke Woodwork | Furniture business originally supported under our Start-Up facilities | www.chrisboreham.co.uk | |
| Classic Watercraft | Custom boat building and restoration | www.classicwatercraft.co.uk | |
| Colin Henwood | Builder of wooden boats: restoration and rebuilds | www.colinhenwood.com | |
| Face North Forestry | Professional forestry contractor offering low impact management of the rural environment, plus mobile sawmill and firewood processing | www.facenorthforestry.co.uk | |
| Julian Angus | Carpentry and fitted joinery. Education workshops for young people | www.julianangus.com | |
| Mary’s Chairs | Furniture restoration and upholstery, also offering tuition and creative workshops | www.maryschairs.co.uk | |
| Matt Estlea | Woodworker, designer and creator (2017-18 Rycotewood craftsperson-in-residence) | www.mattestlea.com | |
| Neil Scott Furniture | Bespoke furniture business | www.neilscottfurniture.com | |
| Oxford Oak | Outdoor furniture and pergolas using home-grown oak | www.oxfordoak.co.uk | |
| Rokesmith | Media company specialising in creating educational woodworking material | www.rokesmith.com | |
| Rycotewood craftsperson-in-residence | Rycotewood Furniture Centre, at City of Oxford College, supports one graduate each year in setting up their businesses at the Sylva Wood Centre | www.cityofoxford.ac.uk/our-courses/furniture | |
| Simon Clements Carving | Wood carving and sculpture, also offering training courses | www.simonclements.info |
Charity registered in England and Wales 1128516 and in Scotland SC041892
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