9.30am to 4.30pm

The course

A day combining discussions, presentations and practical experience. We will cover the historical background of coppice management, good practice in coppicing and showing the benefits to wildlife in well coppiced areas.  Students will be shown how best use can be made of coppice materials with safe and effective use of the traditional tools involved.  A tour of a coppice will demonstrate different stages of coppice work and how areas can be brought back from neglect with good practice.

An outline timetable for the day:
9.30-11 Historical background talk on coppice management with Jon Roberts
11am Coffee break
11.30-12.30 Tour of the coppiced areas of the Museum.  
12.30-1.30 Lunch break
13.30-14.30 Modern coppice management background and safety briefing with John Lindfield. Presentation on how why and how to coppice, species, tools etc.
14.30-16.15 Hands-on practical coppicing in the woods.
16.15 Coffee break and final question and answer session.

With its wide range of historical agricultural buildings the Museum brings together on one site many of the ecological, historical and social elements associated with coppicing.

The tutors

John Lindfield has been coppicing for over 20 years and has built up his experience during that time. He now gladly offers to share his skills through courses for people who have a general interest or want to become more involved in the coppice industry and related woodland work.
John’s family has lived in Sussex for over 400 years and in that time moved 10 miles.

Jonathan Roberts has worked for the Museum for many years and has particular expertise in social history and the artefacts which supported historic life. In his current role he is responsible for the Museum's woodland.

Participants information

The workshop is designed for up to 8 participants.
Please wear sensible, warm, waterproof clothing and shoes and bring robust gloves.
Please bring the following tools if possible: billhook, bow saw and pruning saw.

Fee

£50 per person.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation validated by Bournemouth University. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.