Coppicing weekend

Coppicing is one of the oldest methods of woodland management, practised in the UK for hundreds, if not thousands,  of years. However, in the last century or so, estimates are that actively managed coppice woodland area has fallen by nearly 95%. But we're trying to change that. Join us for this weekend gathering to discuss where next for coppice in Scotland, learn new skills and visit hazel coppice sites that we're bringing back into rotation. You don't need to have any experience in coppicing - just an interest and a passion for this branch of woodland management.

This event is supported by the Landworkers' Alliance, Reforesting Scotland and the Scottish Coppice Network, which is affiliated to the National Coppice Federation.

Weekend programme:

Friday

2.00pm to 4.00pm: Optional visit to Glen Finglas, where we are working with the Woodlands Trust to bring coppice back into rotation. Please make your own way to the Glen Finglas Visitor Centre: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/glen-finglas/. 

6.30pm: Welcome and BBQ

7.30pm: Introductions around the fire, chat and songs

Saturday

8.00am: Breakfast

10.00am: Morning workshops: Choose from 1) Charcoal; or 2) Felling & processing coppice with hand tools

12.30pm: Lunch

2.00pm: Afternoon workshops: Choose from 1) Coppicing tools and sharpening; or 2) Splitting & weaving hazel

5.00pm: Discussion on the future of coppice in Scotland

7.00pm: Dinner

7.30pm: Chat and songs around the fire.

Sunday

8.30am: Breakfast

10.00am: Bus pick up from site for visit to Redlees Urban Park, Blantyre. Paul and a hardy group of volunteers have been working to bring the Redlees coppice back into rotation. A packed lunch will be provided. 

2.00pm: Farewells and close

Kid friendly!: We're a kid friendly site, with an emphasis on risky play. We can offer a kids club over the weekend while you're in the workshops/ demos/ discussions/ site visits. Please let us know when booking if you'd like to take advantage of the kids club.

Accommodation: We have a maximum camping capacity on site for 30 people. If you'd prefer not to camp, there are plenty of options locally, including on the Cardross Estate and at Lochend Chalets.

Cancellation policy:  We do have to cancel events from time to time, usually for safety reasons in bad weather or when there is a weather warning. If we do have to cancel, we'll give as much notice as possible. We will seek a suitable placement on a similar event, rearrange the date of the event, or we can offer a refund. If you have to cancel, please tell us as far in advance as possible. If you let us know at least 7 days in advance, we'll refund your booking.