This course provides the ideal opportunity for you to experience the art of a wood collier making charcoal the traditional way. It can be as hands-on or observational as desired.
Wood colliery is a sustainable craft that transforms low quality timber from sustainable woodland management into an environmentally friendly, high quality charcoal and biochar.
This is a one day practical course where you will learn the process of charcoal production.
We will discuss suitable timber species, types of kilns, production, promotion and packaging, and types of charcoal including BBQ charcoal, farrier's charcoal, artist's charcoal and biochar.
At the end of the day you will have a sack of charcoal to take home for your own use.
Details arranged at booking.
Bookings open, weather dependent – Cost £150(for bookings visit our Contact page)
This course will teach you to identify the flora and fauna of meadows and ancient woodlands like Idston Woods. This includes ancient woodland indicator species like wood sorrel and dog's mercury. This course is best attended in late Spring when the woodland plants are at their most vibrant.
Details arranged at booking.
Bookings open for Spring 2024 – Cost £100(for bookings visit our Contact page)
Harvesting wild food is the ultimate in local and seasonal produce, and is an excellent way of understanding and connecting with the natural environment.
Foraging awakens your senses and appreciation of the environment, helping you find a place in the natural cycles of life.
This is a one day practical course where you will learn to recognize edible plants and forage wild food sustainably and safely.
You will be introduced to many common edible plants, taught how to build a cooking fire, and shown how to prepare and cook a delicious meal with the treasures you have foraged.
The laws regarding foraging will be discussed, you will be shown poisonous plants to avoid, and you will be shown how to purify river water to drink.
Lunch is created on an open fire from foods foraged on the day.
Bring your own basket and a small pen-knife.
Bookings open for Spring 2024 – Cost £100(for bookings visit our Contact page)
