Suitable for: Beginners, improvers, professionals

Considerations: Classroom based, partially outdoors

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day. We also have a fantastic on-site cafe, Embers, run by local chef Shropshire Lad

What to wear: Sturdy shoes, clothes that you can get messy

What to bring: Paper and pen for taking notes

The course: 

Build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods. Tailored to your individual needs, you are encouraged to share details of woodlands you are familiar with to aid your learning.

You will learn how to:

- types of woodlands in the UK
- protecting woodlands
- woodland management
- producing timber and wood
- legal responsibilities
- maximising positive impacts for biodiversity
- the future of woodland stewardship

 You will gain an accreditation at Level 3 with AIM, subject to submission of a completed assignment for marking and assessment.

Tutor: Chris Keeler

"I have a lifetime of experience working in the coppice woodlands of Sussex and Kent, and I love to show how these traditional activities support the health of woodlands and enhance biodiversity."

Chris is our training officer, who co-ordinates and teaches woodland management and heritage skills, as well as being the lead trainer for the Lost Woods project in Sussex and lead contact for SWA members in the area.

He was born into an estate forestry family, and has worked in the coppice, woodland, and arboriculture industry for over 20 years. He  learned his trade from some of the last ‘proper’ woodsmen who cut trees with axe, hook, and hand saw and still uses these tools to this day. Chris is passionate about passing on this knowledge to others, as well as communicating his love of all things nature.