TO BOOK:
https://coppicewoodcollege.co.uk/product/intro-coppicing/
Join us for 4 days (10am to 4pm) 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.
If you're not based locally and need some advice on places to stay then please get in touch with us
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.
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