Small Woods
Brand brings clarity to woodland charity

Brand strategy Brand identity Web design Graphic design

The Small Woods Association is the national organisation for small woodland owners, workers and supporters. The organisation champions sustainable management of woodlands.

I was originally asked to redesign the Small Woods website. However, by asking pertinent questions, it quickly became apparent that wider communication issues needed to be addressed. Staff and trustees found it difficult to answer ‘Who are you?’, ‘What do you do?’ and ‘Why does it matter?’. There was also no visual identity beyond the logo. We placed the organisation’s print materials on a table and they looked like they were from different organisations.

I discussed with the client the need to define their brand and create a distinctive visual identity, before considering the website. They saw the value in this and agreed.

Working closely with the Chief Executive I took the organisation through my branding process: researching the organisation, its audiences and competitors. From this I defined the organisation’s aims, core message and strapline. I was then able to create a visual identity expressing and reflecting the brand. The identity consists of a logo, colour palette, typeface, graphic device and paper stock. I presented the work to staff and trustees, gaining their support.

The brand and identity formed the foundations for all subsequent work.

The client was delighted by the rebrand, identity and website and for a number of years I created all their print materials, including letterhead, business cards, general leaflets, membership recruitment leaflets, information sheets and course marketing flyers.

I worked closely with the client to plan the new website’s structure and content – largely informed by the organisation’s four aims. Using the visual identity, I designed the page layouts and look and feel of the site. The site was then built by my web developer associate using a content management system, allowing the client to update content themselves.

We have recently made the site responsive, ensuring it can be used on mobiles, tablets and desktop computers.

Small Woods now looks professional and credible. It has a distinctive and recognisable brand identity and is communicating a consistent message. Importantly, staff are proud to be associated with the website and materials.

Membership income has increased year on year and is now around 20% higher than before the rebrand. Given the economic hardship of recent years and the lack of additional marketing spend, this can be largely attributed to the enhanced branding.

Small Woods’ influence is gaining. It is increasingly being invited to meetings and to consult on policy by government and the big players in the woodland sector. We think this is again down to the improved perception of the organisation as a result of the branding.

We worked with Mark to develop a new brand and website – and the process transformed our organisation. He made us look closely at what we do and how we do it, helping us to clarify our thinking. The rebranding really supports what we do, and the website is great: clear, fast and good looking. I am very happy with Mark’s input and approach to the contract.

Jude Walker, Director