Our Working with Woodlands: Coppicing, Charcoal and Rural Skills course, delivered in partnership with Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) South West, is aimed at individuals eager to develop practical woodland skills and gain insight into rural enterprise.
Who is the course suitable for?
- Hobbyists and small woodland owners interested in traditional crafts
- Career changers seeking practical land skills
- Corporate social responsibility-focused organisations and teams interested in outdoor experiences
- Those looking to expand their rural enterprise knowledge
What you’ll achieve at the end of the course
Delegates will:
- Craft simple coppice products, including traditional stakes, binders and hurdles, and gain understanding of processing techniques such as timber milling for coppiced wood
- Learn more about the ecological benefits of woodland restoration
- Find out how charcoal and biochar are produced, with live demonstration
- Explore small-scale, sustainable rural enterprise opportunities linked to woodland crafts
All delegates, on attendance, will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
How is the course delivered?
We offer our course face-to-face over one day. Our woodland site for the day is to be confirmed.
About the course leaders
Course sessions are delivered by Edward Bonn, Farm Environment Adviser at FWAG South West, supported by Rachel Wheatley, Head Grower at FWAGs GREAT Market Garden Project at the RAU.
Apply now
To book a place or for further information, please get in touch via our continuing professional development enquiry form or call +44 (0) 1285 652531.
Our next open course dates are:
- Saturday 18 October 2025, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm, £100 + VAT per person
- Saturday 6 December 2025, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm, £100 + VAT per person
Please scroll down for course content.
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds – Cirencester - we offer comfortable accommodation, with free on-site parking and sustainable catering using local suppliers.
| 9.30 am |
Arrival and welcome Includes safety briefing and refreshments |
| 10.00 am |
Coppicing for woodland restoration Practical session |
| 11.30 am | Charcoal and biochar production, with mobile milling demonstration |
| 1.00 pm | Lunch break |
| 1.45 pm |
Crafting stakes, binders and hurdles Practical session |
| 3.15 pm | Enterprise opportunities |
| 4.00 pm | End of course |