Woodlands to benefit from book proceeds

Robert Thompson, of Kilburn, who famously carved a mouse into every piece of furniture he created, is the subject of Mouseman: The Legacy of Robert Thompson of Kilburn.

Ian Thompson Cartwright, the great grandson of Robert Thompson who manages the family business, has pledged to donate proceeds to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT).

The money will support a long-term woodland restoration programme, which aims to double the amount of broadleaf woodland cover in the Dales by 2020.

This week, Ian presented a cheque for 2,500 to YDMT director David Sharrod, which will be used to plant native species of trees such as ash, oak, rowan and birch at sites in the Dales and Nidderdale.

Mr Sharrod said: "We're thrilled to be planting more trees in the Dales as a result of the support of Robert Thompson's, who are committed to helping us restore broadleaf woodland in an area where it has been drastically depleted.

"There is undoubtedly a natural link between Robert Thompson's, a family-run business using native wood for their craft, and our work as a charity which is to conserve and protect the natural landscape of the Yorkshire Dales."

Robert Thompson – 1876-1955 – is widely regarded as having been one of the country's finest craftsmen of hand carved, traditional oak furniture.

He was a quiet man who never moved away from the cottage he was born in. But his work was sought out by leading architects who commissioned major pieces for cathedrals, stately homes, and municipal buildings in the UK and overseas.