Coppicing courses

These are introductory 1 or 2 day coppicing courses, covering basic theory, providing hands-on practical experience and including a tree identification session (plus lunches provided around an open fire). The sessions are set in an Ancient Forest Woodland Reserve, near Malvern, Worcestershire.

One to one tuition

I offer tuition in coppicing and traditional woodland managment for small groups

or individuals. This can be from one day or up to three days. A hot meal and drinks are provided in my covered camp kitchen.

Please contact me for prices and availabliity.

Helping restore local woodland

COPPICING COURSE DATES

4th - 5th February 2012- FULLY BOOKED

18th - 19th February 2012 - FULLY BOOKED

3rd - 4th March 2012

10th -14th September 2012 "Week in the woods"

15th - 16th September 2012

20th - 21st October 2012

10th - 11th November 2012

The coppicing courses I run are an introduction to coppicing for people who have no experience of coppicing or for volunteers and others who have a little experience but would like to gain more knowledge. There is a maximunm of 6 people on each course.

They are a mixture of theory sessions which include tree identification but mainly practical sessions.

The training courses start with a walk through the woods looking at various compartments that have been coppiced over the last twelve years, over-stood coppice, and some coniferous blocks. The benefits of coppicing, ring barking and the importance of glades and rides are shown. We look at the differences between native deciduous woodland and conifer habitats and learning tree ID.

Aspects covered on the course include planning the work area, looking at various devices, building work breaks and stacks.

A section of a coppice coupe is worked. This coupe is in rotation coppice, usually predominantly Ash. We work through the whole process from start to finish. The culmination of the process is a session on turning the coppice into a range of products such as Pea sticks, Bean poles, hedging stakes and binders. Working methods, material selection, processing, and storage are all covered on the course. There is a practical session on coppicing Hazel and how to stack and store Hazel products.

The tools used are traditional tools such as a Woodman's vice, side axe and Billhook as well as more modern tools such as bowsaws.

My courses take place at Ravenshill Woodland Reserve, Alfrick, Worcestershire, which is a 50 acre privately owned nature reserve, which has a patchwork of diverse habitat including many indicator species of ancient semi-natural woodland. It has both deciduous and various conifer species.

The course is over two days, usually over a weekend. I am now offering mid-week courses.

The prices are £100 for a two day course and £50 for a one day course.

Click the button below to download a booking form.

A £20 deposit is required.

Camping is available in the wood for course participants at a cost of £6 per night per person. There are also some excellent hotels and B&B'S locally. Please go th the links page for local accomodation.

My gift vouchers are an ideal present for christmas, a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion and a way to give your friend or loved one the chance to spend time in the woodland and learn more about the traditional craft of coppicing.

Click here for a copy of the Coppicing course booking form.

Click here to view my terms and conditions.

All pictures have been taken by myself in woodlands that I have worked.

Course feedback

Phil,
Superb course, very informative and enjoyable.
I know know my Spindle from my Dogwood and can spot a Field Maple at 20 paces.
Your tips regarding Bristol Design, etc were also very much appreciated (as was the food).

Informative, friendly and much enjoyed. Thank you Phil.

Good value, covered all aspects of coppicing, friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Thanks for the very useful points for tool suppliers, etc. Very useful, very informative, and a very nice atmoshere- Thanks very much.