events

This one-day course is for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of coppicing, a fundamental skill for woodland management.

This course will cover:

• what is coppicing and why is it important
• the history of coppicing
• the best tools for the job and how to care for them
• how to safely fell small diameter trees with hand tools
• how to deal with brash
• discussion about types of coppice products
• threats and opportunities

Fee: £45

Upcoming course dates:

Monday 24th February, 9.30am - 3pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

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This two-day course is ideal for those who want to develop their coppicing skills. The first day focuses on improving coppicing techniques. On the second course day we will discuss and make a range of coppice products from hazel using traditional hand-tools.

This course will cover:

• what is coppicing and why is it important
• the history of coppicing
• billhooks, axes, froes and saws
• how to safely fell small diameter trees with hand tools
• how to deal with brash
• pests and diseases
• how to select and 'layer' trees to 'stock-up' the copse
• how to dress-out and grade rods for different purposes with a saw and billhook
• the coppice 'workshop'
• simple coppice products
• heritage coppice crafts

Fee: £80

Upcoming course date: 

Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March, 9am - 4pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

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Six weekly sessions, held on Thursdays, 11am - 2pm, Scrase Valley Nature Reserve and Bentswood Hub

Taster session:  Thursday 3 April, 2025 (come along and meet the team)

Session dates: 10 April, 24 April, 1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May

The Lost Woods team invites you to join our free woodland wellbeing group for adults, to help you to learn to enjoy and connect with nature for improved wellbeing. This course is ideal for those who live in or near to Haywards Heath.

• Connect with nature through activities that promote wellbeing
• Woodland crafts, wildlife surveying, light conservation work and more
• Meet new people and get to know your local woodland

Sessions are free but places are limited. For more information and to register your interest, contact lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk or complete our form.

Thursday 3rd April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Online webinar

Jack Taylor & Bridget Fox from the Woodland Trust share advice and insights on the planning system & woodland, and how best to protect woods and trees. This webinar was arranged by Planning Networks for Nature. If you are not a member and are interested in joining the community, please visit, https://sussex-planning-network-for-nature.org.uk/

This two-day course will help you to build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods.

The course will be tailored to your individual needs, and you are encouraged to share details of woodlands you are familiar with to aid your learning.

You will gain an accreditation at Level 3 with AIM, subject to submission of a completed assignment for marking and assessment.

We will cover:

• types of woodlands in the UK
• protecting woodlands
• producing timber and wood
• legal responsibilities
• maximising positive impacts for biodiversity
• the future of woodland stewardship

Fee: £80

Upcoming course dates:

Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th April, 9.30am - 4pm, Woods Mill, Henfield

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Join us on this one-day course to learn the basic skills you need to identify and sustainably manage ancient woodland, and help biodiversity thrive once more.

The day will begin at the HQ of Lost Woods Project Partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust, for a discussion on ancient woodland. After lunch, we will visit a nearby site that is currently undergoing restoration.

The course will cover:

• what is an ancient woodland?

• ancient woodland indicator species

• woodland archaeology

• woodland condition assessment and planning

• restoration management techniques

• resilience to climate change, pests, diseases and invasive species

Fee: £45

Upcoming course date:

Tuesday 6th May, Woods Mill, Henfield

Six weekly sessions, held on Wednesdays, 11am - 2pm, Steyning Downland Scheme

Taster session:  Wednesday 4 June, 2025 (come along and meet the team)

Session dates: 11 June, 18 June, 25 June, 2 July, 9 July, 16 July

The Lost Woods team invites you to join our free woodland wellbeing group for adults, to help you to learn to enjoy and connect with nature for improved wellbeing. This course is ideal for those who live in or near to Steyning.

• Connect with nature through activities that promote wellbeing
• Woodland crafts, wildlife surveying, light conservation work and more
• Meet new people and get to know your local woodland

Sessions are free but places are limited. For more information and to register your interest, contact lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk or complete our form.

Join us on this one-day course to learn the basic skills you need to identify and sustainably manage ancient woodland, and help biodiversity thrive once more.

The day will begin at the HQ of Lost Woods Project Partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust, for a discussion on ancient woodland. After lunch, we will visit a nearby site that is currently undergoing restoration.

The course will cover:

• what is an ancient woodland?

• ancient woodland indicator species

• woodland archaeology

• woodland condition assessment and planning

• restoration management techniques

• resilience to climate change, pests, diseases and invasive species

Fee: £45

Upcoming course date:

Thursday 12th June, Woods Mill, Henfield