TRADITIONAL WOODSMAN'S COPPICE AND GREENWOOD SKILLS COURSE

Native woodland in Scotland has been managed for thousands of years and traditional management practices and techniques, as well as the associated skills and crafts, have a continued legacy and relevance dating from the earliest times.

The Woodsman Course offered by Helmsdale Charcoal and Coppice is a 5 day course which will cover, both in theory and in practice, aspects of those techniques as relate to coppicing and a variety of greenwood crafts and skills.  Emphasis will be placed on achieving an understanding of woodland as a resource and its many benefits.

The course if ully ccredited by the Open College Network (One Awards) to level 3 and is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

To find out more about the course and how to book see below.  If you have any questions just email Mike who will be happy to answer any of your questions on the course.

The courses are run throughout the year and can be undertaken either as a single block of five days or as five individual days.  By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Have an understanding of coppice and the basics of greenwood working
• Identify and apply appropriate coppice management and restoration techniques and practices
• Identify a variety of native tree species and their suitability for greenwood working and products
• Correctly and safely use a variety of specialised greenwood tools as well as correct tool maintenance
• Conduct basic greenwood techniques to make a variety of products
• Understand how to load and fire a charcoal kiln and the subsequent grading of the material
• Undertake a personal/group project that demonstrates understanding and competence in the application of the instruction received.