Course Details

Coppicewood College
Woodland Skills 6 month Course
OCN Certification available

Apply Now for October 2008

This years course is now completed with all 5 students finishing in style.

Because of the length of this course and also the need in many cases to arrange funding, it would be sensible to apply as soon as possible so that the College can assist in fund finding or discuss payment methods.

Students using a two handed cross cut saw to cut an ash trunk to size for craft.

Students working as a team to reducea willow in the boundary hedge.There were great cheers when "TIMBER" was called.

Duration: 6 Months starting Wednesday October 1st 2008

Tuition will be given on Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Location: Cwm Plysgog woods, Cilgerran near Cardigan, Pembrokeshire.

Applications are welcome from anyone from age 16 and over and from anywhere within the UK or abroad (limited to English speakers). See below for details of accomodation available.

This course is suitable for:

Woodland owners and farmers or their staff

Park rangers

Self employed crafts people.

Unemployed people and school leavers in rural areas looking for alternative employment opportunities.

Anyone with an interest in traditional rural skills using hand tools.

Anyone interested in reducing their carbon footprint, preserving the natural environment and improving habitat.

What does the course cover?

The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to manage a coppice wood and by learning basic craft skills, have the potential to gain a part of their income from woodland. Students will also learn how to lay a hedge which will offer other rural employment opportunities.

Students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of craft skills using hand tools.

Examples might include:

This is a practical series of courses and the student group will be expected to cut a coppice plot during their time at Cwm Plysgog. Students must be prepared to be outside during winter undertaking physical work. A workshop/classroom with heat is provided for comfort and bad weather and where class based learning can be helpful. There is also a compost toilet.

For full details of the curriculum please contact us.

How much will it cost me?

We do expect all students to make some financial contribution to the cost of this course. We have funding that will enable us to assist students with the fee on the basis of need. Prospective students seeking financial support towards the cost of the course need to request an application form at least 4 weeks prior to the start date.

The full course fee is £1740.00.

What qualifications can I achieve?

The school is OCN registered and offers accreditiaion on this course.

This is well known in the farming and countryside community and enables prospective employers to have confidence in the standard of work.

The college is developing its own certification which we hope in time will gain promenance and become an accepted standard in the market.

What prospects will the course open up for me?

The knowledge gained and the practical application of that knowledge will enable those who complete the course to seek work in rural areas. There is an increasing demand from planning and national park authorities to persuade landowners to return to the traditional look of the landscape. To this end landowners are offered grants to carry out this work giving opportunity to suitably qualified people.

There is also opportunity for students to progress with their work into other areas of rural crafts such as green wood working, living willow sculpture and many other craft activities.

The school networks with many other organisations that offer information and assistance in these areas.

Landowners themselves may wish to attend all or part of this course to learn of the many benefits that traditional methods of working woodland can offer them.

How do I apply ?

By contacting us directly by email, mail or by telephone.

to:
The Secretary
Coppicewood College
Maes Y Mor
Moylegrove
SA43 3BU

01239881394

There is a returnable deposit of £100 on confirmation of your place, which will be deducted from the course fee we agree.

Want to discuss the course before committing? Why not arrange to come on a Wednesday and meet the Instructors and the Trustees. You would also be welcome to join in the activities with our volunteers. Or just ring us on 01239 881394

Accommodation

There is plenty of local accommodation during the winter months. We have local knowlege which may be of help so do contact us first,

try here: places to stay

 

Contact the College for more information and to recieve an application form.