We are happy to announce that we are working with the Woodland Trust and Living Woods North East to facilitate two free ‘Introduction to Coppicing’ workshops in which we will explore the whole topic of coppicing as woodland management. These are one-off workshops with the longer-term aim of setting up a community group of volunteers to manage the hazel coppice down in the Woodland Trust area of Whittle Dene. As supporters of our CIC, you are invited to get involved by attending one of two workshops on either:
Wednesday 20 October
or
Saturday 23 October
from 10am-3.30pm
To book your place please email Mark Shipperlee, Director of Living Woods North East CIC on:
About the workshops
Starting at 10am, we will have a walk through Whittle Dene (Woodland Trust site), look at the coppice woodland and discuss the benefits, practices and products of hazel coppice work. We will also assess the current state of the coppice onsite and look at management possibilities. Woodland Trust and Living Woods North East are keen to get as many coppices restored to active management as possible in our region.
In the afternoon, we head across (in vehicles) to Horsley Wood, where they have been restoring a hazel coppice for the last three years. There we will talk about management processes, discuss more about products such as charcoal, etc from a very practical perspective, and look at some of the challenges, including the issues around deer, etc. We aim for the day to finish by about 3:30pm.
Practical Points
People will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear for walking through woods, and will need to bring a packed lunch and any refreshments. Please note that there are no facilities at Horsley. We will carry an appropriate first aid kit, and ask people to be “COVID aware” leading up to and on the day. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a practical session, as coppicing does not really start until November, when the leaves come off the trees – this is in preparation for future practical sessions as a community group.
For any questions, and to book, please email mark@livingwoodsnortheast.org.uk
