Lou Hawker - Woodland Skills Course 2009/2010

Lou now works at CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology), Macynlleth.
She is working as Woodland Manager at ‘Coed Gwern’, a 15 acre woodland recently acquired by the Centre. Responsibilities will include managing the woodfuel supply for the centre and helping to run the woodland/Craft courses.

Adam Thorogood - Woodland Skills Course 2008/2009

Adam and a friend approached a woodland owner about working a piece of neglected woodland. The owner asked them to produce a management plan. As a result the woodland went into the ‘Better Woodlands for Wales’ scheme. Adam and his Friend are now working the woods in return for the harvested timber. They intend to add value by producing fence posts and garden furniture as well as supplying firewood locally.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that was envisiged by the college when we designed the Woodland Skills Course. It is very heartening for us at Coppicewood to that our course equips students for the opportunities that are available.”

Testimonials

“Much more than a careful training in traditional coppice skills and the basics of green woodworking. The course has been a practical education in the use and guardianship of native woodland delivered with deep integrity, grace and humour. It has been a privelage to spend time among such good people in such a wholesome environment.”

James Bullen – Woodland Skills 2010/2011

“Its Spring and the sap is rising and I’ve come to the end of a fabulous six month course.
I’m the proud owner of a shave horse, designed and made my own ‘winter hedge’(clothes horse to my former self). I have learnt to take down a tree safely and in the direction i wanted with just an axe.
I am now laying hedges for friends and i have conquered my fear of horses to experience a day of horse logging.
The words beetles and snedding, froes and billhooks are now in common usage in our household.
Its been a wonderful and varied experience with friendly people and lots of cakes.
Can some one pay for me to do it all again!”

Gill Griffiths – Woodland Skills 2010/2011