A traditional charcoal burn was the focus of 
Coppice Week - a five-day event on Ashdown Forest which brought professional and amateur woodland workers together to learn more about coppice crafts.
Organised by Esus Forestry the event aimed to enable the sharing of knowledge and skills, many of which are gradually being lost.
View the video of charcoal making at Coppice Week 2010
Read more about the charcoal earth burn or view the picture gallery at the Woodland Antics blog written by Mark Allery, a Pole-lathe turner, greenwood worker and woodsman
The charcoal burn formed the heart of the Coppice Week as the knowledge and skill required to make charcoal in this traditional way is gradually being lost. During the five days a number of training workshops were run in order to attract new interest in traditional woodland products and to expand and enhance the knowledge and skills of the many professional woodland workers attending. Courses ranged from one to three days in duration and topics included;
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oak swill basket making,
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hazel hurdle
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sweet chestnut gate hurdle making
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besom broom demonstrations
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pole lathe demonstrations and taster sessions
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wooden clog sole making
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tent peg making
- and perhaps as important was the time spent informally sharing knowledge between people.
Due to the success of the event discussions are underway regarding the possibility of Coppice Week 2011. If you would be interested in attending next year contact the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership team.
If you would like further information on training in traditional woodland management and crafts, or to find out about plans for similar events in the future contact Dave Rossney on 01580 712417 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact James Sharpe, the Weald Forest Ridge Scheme Officer on 01580 879957 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T
he project is being funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.