Introduction to Coppicing (Sustainable Woodland Management)

Description

Join us for 4 days to learn the theory and practice of coppicing in the ancient Pengelli Forest, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park! Using only simple hand tools, you'll be taken through the whole process, including felling small diameter trees with a bill hook and bow saw. Coppicing is a traditional way to manage woodlands. It's a sustainable and regenerative method that's beneficial for biodiversity and preserves the heritage of woodland crafts. It can be applied to small and large woodlands and can bring neglected woodlands back to life while providing wood for a multitude of uses such as green woodworking, land management and firewood. Most of the course will be spent outdoors in the woods with approximately 3 out of the 4 days developing and practicing the skills for coppicing. This is a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of coppicing and have plenty of time to really hone your skills! The course covers the following: THEORY: - History of coppicing. - Why it's important and the benefits. - Theory of the practical process (assessing the plot, process, tools, etc). - Which species you can coppice and considerations. - Products you can obtain from a coppice plot. PRACTICAL: - How to use traditional hand tools (bill hook, bow saw, silky, slasher). - Assessing the plot/woodland. - How to fell small diameter trees. - Processing of felled trees and categorising wood (snedding, products and storage). - Health and safety. Please note, we do not use axes in the course but will fell small trees with bill hooks and bow saws. ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS? - This is a beginner session and no previous experience is necessary. - You will need to be physically able to hold and use hand tools and walk down into the woods and back on uneven ground. - Please wear sturdy outdoor boots (ideally steel toe caps), bring waterproofs, and wear clothing you're happy to wear while handling wood and tools. - Please bring a packed lunch, drinking water and hot drinks as we'll be in the woods for most of the time. You may also wish to bring a notebook and pen to take notes ABOUT THE VENUE & PENGELLI FOREST: We have a beautiful timber framed workshop and covered outdoor work area nestled in Pengelli Forest. The woodland plots we coppice are just a 10 minute walk from the workshop. Pengelli Forest is situated a few miles from the coast in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is a very special place. It is a 163 acre richly diverse ancient woodland, one of the largest of its type remaining in Wales. Some of the forest is thought to have been wooded since the end of the last Ice Age – 10,000 years ago! It is one of Wales’ National Nature Reserves and an important habitat for many species. It also has a long and deep history stretching centuries as a working woodland from a valuable resource for local people to timber for World War II.

What's included in the price?

- All tools. - Tea/coffee when at the workshop for theory elements (please bring hot drinks if you'd like to for time spent in the woods).

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Coppicewood College

with Craft Courses since 2012

Message the tutor

We are a registered charity and small education centre dedicated to sustainable woodland management, green woodworking and woodland crafts. We are unique in that we only use traditional hand tools and are lucky enough to have a beautiful timber framed workshop set in the ancient woodland of Pengelli Forest. Our materials are provided by the forest in which we work and largely by the students on our 6 month LANTRA accredited Woodland Skills Course. We provide in-depth and considerate learning at a pace which allows real understanding and skill development. We weave together theory, practical skills and preparation for employment opportunities. We are a friendly bunch of people who have been bringing together learners, volunteers, stewards and general tree and craft lovers for almost 20 years!