Two West Sussex coppice workers have established their own independent business at, England's leading museum of historic buildings and rural crafts, the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton near Chichester.

Paul Pinnington and Chris Baldwin from the villages of Singleton and Lavant make hazel hurdles, besom brooms, thatching spars, charcoal and garden products for sale to the public from their Woodland Craft Centre on the Museum's 50-acre site in the South Downs.

"We are the modern equivalent of the traditional woodsmen and colliers who were once numerous in the county," said Paul Pinnington. "They made their living from the products of coppice woodland which they cut regularly on a rotation, managing it carefully to provide raw materials for a wide variety of uses."

In addition to traditional products such as hazel thatching spars and hurdles, Paul and Chris make garden furniture and chairs from shapely branches which are much sought after by today's customers. "Tastes have changed," says Chris, "and we provide modern products using wood, as well as supplying the traditional markets."

Paul and Chris, who have previously worked in forestry and agriculture, began their enterprise at the Museum after discussions with the late Chris Zeuner, Museum Director until January this year. As part of the initiative they will care for the Museum's charcoal burning camp - one of Its most popular exhibits. This year they have completely refurbished the camp which illustrates the construction of a traditional earth charcoal kiln and features a reconstructed charcoal burner's hut complete with furniture. A modern metal kiln is used to produce charcoal for the barbecue market during the summer season.

Museum visitors can watch Paul and Chris making their products daily at the centre, established in the Museum's woodland area, discover more about the traditional skills involved and even place their own orders direct or through the Museum's shop.

"The Woodland Craft Centre is a prime example of the Museum encouraging local rural craftsmen" says Museum Director Richard Harris. "Through our building exhibits, rural craft courses and practical initiatives like the woodland enterprise and the re-opening of the local

post office, the Museum can make an important contribution to the local rural economy at a time when it needs particular assistance."

The meshing of the Museum's work and the Woodland Craft Centre continues to develop Paul and Chris plan to run two Tamworth pigs within part of the coppice area to clear the woodland floor - a traditional method of keeping the forest in good condition.

The Woodland Craft Centre is open daily at the Museum from 10.30am-6.00pm. Further information can be obtained from the Museum - recorded information line - 01243 811348 Museum office - 01243 811363. Visit the Museum's website on www.wealddown.co.uk. Contact Paul Pinnington  on 01 243 811553

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits from town and country and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working watermill producing stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques and agriculture; historic gardens and farm livestock. There is a cafe which uses the Museum's own produce and a museum shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. Further information: contact Operations Director Gail Kittle at the Museum
Tel: 01243 811363
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: marketing@wealddown.co.uk. 

For Paul Pinnington contact 01 243 811553

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