In the Scottish Borders, near Jedburgh, Real Wood Studios workshop is continuing the creative legacy of well-known artist and maker Tim Stead. Founded in 1996, the workshop has since supported many talented designer-makers, and over the years has grown into a key part of a wider network of innovative tree and timber specialists, furniture makers, pioneers, and environmentalists based in the area.

Holding onto a clear vision of a society that lives in harmony with its woodlands, the workshops believe in using local timber with care, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship at every stage, and aiming to be a local and national focal point for the full journey from ‘tree to table’. After winning Scottish Borders Council’s 2014 Business Enterprise Award for Best Rural Business, the enterprise became a Community Interest Company in 2020, meaning that all profits go directly into improving the Studios, where makers collaborate on creative ideas, problem-solving and major commissions, run as a community-minded, sustainably-run collective, focused on public benefit.

The Studios maintain close links with Borders Forest Trust and many other partners across the region, supporting sustainable hardwood products and woodcraft in the Borders. Comprising an on-site sawmill, timber yard, kilns, wood shop, makers’ studios and showroom, customers can collaborate with makers on the sourcing of timber or design of a commission. The wood shop and showroom are open to the public Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:00

Monteviot Nurseries, Nr. Ancrum, Jedburgh TD8 6TU