Practical Skills for Managing Small Woodland 2025

Owning a small woodland can be a magical experience, but these vital habitats require active management to remain biodiverse and healthy. On this course, attendees will develop the practical skills and techniques required to become proficient custodians of their own small woodland.

On this one-day course, there will be a brief discussion regarding basic woodland ecology, seasonal limitations, personal protective equipment, useful power tools and their appropriate use. We will then venture into the woods to learn how to use hand tools to ‘coppice’ appropriate species and deliver beneficial ‘thinning’ through the felling of small trees. Finally, attendees will gain experience in building deer ‘exclosures’, dead hedges and wind rows.

Our tutor, Ross Packman, has gained practical woodland management experience with organisations including the National Trust and both the Surrey and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts, and is keen to help guide you on your exciting journey.

Tutor Profile – Ross Packman

With a varied background in marketing, journalism and outdoor adventure instruction, Ross retrained in environmental land management with the East Devon National Trust ranger team in 2012.

Joining Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT)’s Countryside Team in 2017, Ross lead staff and volunteers in practical habitat works across the Trust’s 60+ reserves and sites, including the ancient woodland sites of Sheepleas, Staffhurst Wood and Norbury Park, as well as assisting with the Trust’s 400-strong herd of Belted Galloway cattle.Joining the Education Team full-time in 2022, Ross is now an Engagement and Conservation Officer for the Wilder Schools project, encouraging local educators to improve biodiversity in their grounds and take more of their lessons outside.

Before joining SWT, Ross lead international volunteer groups in practical conservation works in Iceland and the Caribbean, as well as assisting with island recovery projects on the Isles of Scilly and the Outer Hebrides.In addition to his conservation work, Ross is also a qualified Lowland Walking Leader and Paddlesports Instructor who enjoys hiking, swimming and eating in his spare time.

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