events

Thursday 30 October, 2pm - 3.45pm, Railwayland Lewes

Update: This event is now sold out

‍Step into the wild woods with us this Halloween...

We're thrilled to invite families with children aged 5 years and over to a free storytelling experience 'The Telling Tree: Tales from the Wildwood' in Lewes this half term.

Join Ariane for autumn tales and scary stories in this fun storytelling show packed with myths and folktales, mixed with some tricksy woodland games to tickle the senses. A storytelling event for 5 years and above (younger siblings welcome but please note the Halloween-theme). All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Please contact us at Lostwoods@woodlandstrust.org.uk if you have any accessibility needs and we can advise on the terrain. Remember to wear your wellies and suitable layers for the weather as it's an outdoor event, and we can't wait to see you there!

A free event, but places are limited - book your place: https://tinyurl.com/tellingtree

Thursday 13 November, 9.30am - 4pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

For absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of coppicing, a fundamental skill for woodland management.

This course will cover:

• the history of coppicing
• why coppicing is important
• the best tools for the job and how to care for them
• safely felling small diameter trees with hand tools
• layering hazel
• how to deal with brash
• coppice products
• threats and opportunities

Fee: £45

Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November, 9.30am - 3.30pm, Woods Mill, Henfield

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.

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

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Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, 9.30am - 3.30pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

Update: This event is now sold out. To register your interest in future courses please complete this form.

This two-day course is ideal for those who want to develop their coppicing skills.

The first day focuses on learning traditional techniques, and we will spend the second day discussing and making a range of hazel coppice products, 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