Coppicing Courses?

[pibbleb]

Hi

I posted a little whilse ago that I wanted to do a forestry course. There wasn't really anything suitable on a part time basis, so I've had a bit of a rethink.

I'm in the process of booking a pole lathe course, but I'd also like to do a coppicing course.

I've found one in Chichester but this is a bit of a pain to get to so the question is, does anyone know of one in the Mid Sussex area?

Cheers

Pib

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

just an idea have you tried:

BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers).
there will be a group in a town near you.

though it's a voluntary activity sometimes they run free college courses on all sorts of stuff

i have taken part and passed in:

species identification- summer tree
Introducton to tree felling with hand tools
Introduction to woodland management
scrub clearance with hand tools
coppicing level one

they really are only basic levels i passed them very easily, but quite usefull on a CV if you want to further a woodland career.
also you get to cut down huge areas so you can really get used to your tools and techniques.(some bring their own tools like a newer billhook).

the down side(to be fair) is you may have to work with difficult personalities, as BTCV tends to draw unemployed (potentially depressed) and socially difficult, people because it's voluntary and fun!

as for the courses though, just turn up for the course days!
there are further, more serious courses (also free)like chainsaw use and group leadership open to voluntary officers (i am one)if you want to go that way.

 

[pibbleb]

I haven't come across them before, I'll check it out thanks

Paul

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

get ready for loads of tea breaks!

 

[Big Geordie]

BTCV is the largest practical conservation charity. Since I joined them, I've been planting trees organising old peoples gardens and work in schools and with non literate and numerate adults.

There are 6 of us currently in the Nevada desert on loan to Nevada Outdoor School for conservation projects. I'll post some pics soon.

How did I join? I was looking for a course which would teach me to maintain axes etc., and attend coppicing courses. They run lots of courses!!

Give them a call, they are great fun.

George

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Navada desert?
:aargh4: :AR15firin
what....how......eh?

how did you get that job?
our Norfolk group go as far as....er...Norfolk

 

[Big Geordie]

Hi Rappleby, BTCV International run a variety of specialist holidays, call Andy Jeffries. It was advertised on an e mail.

The website gives other programme details too. Anyway Norfolk is a great place although Diss and Thetford dont hold quite the same cachet as the Nevada high desert with tales of goodies and baddies like Butch Cassidy and Sundance.

Keep up the good work, George

 

[pibbleb]

Nevada, wow that's pretty impressive, a bit hot though I'm guessing.

BTCV is the project today, just tell the boss!

Pib

 

[Wayne]

Nevada, wow that's pretty impressive, a bit hot though I'm guessing.

BTCV is the project today, just tell the boss!

Pib

The BCTV are running a few green wood working courses in October, A series of 5 one day courses. Cost £300 to non members and £200 for members.

A different subject on each day. I will try and di out the info.

If your interested pm me and i will pass on some contact info.

I am not invloved in the courses. Although i might book myself.

 

[pibbleb]

Thanks Wayne PM sent.

I've had a look on the BCTV site and have found a Coppicing course in Ashford Kent in November. I'd hoped for something closer and earlier than that but at £30.00 for members and £50.00 for non-members I think is is probably a must.

Paul

 

[Jack]

Hey Paul.

Have a look here
http://www.woodnet.org.uk/sscg/
This is the page of the Surrey and Sussex Coppice group and the next link is a wonderful resource for all things coppice http://www.coppice-products.co.uk/

Be careful of 'nice' organisation charging you a fortune for courses.

Any problem then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes.

Jack.

 

[pibbleb]

Thanks Jack.

Pib