what's on

Date: 10 August 2026

Location: Sussex Wildlife Trust, Henfield

Fee: £85

Learn how to make a split hazel 'swallow's nest' basket which is a mini version of the traditional 'whisket'. Split Hazel Basketry is classified as critically endangered by the Heritage Crafts Association so you'll also be helping to keep these skills alive!

You will be shown all of the techniques to prepare and assemble the components for your basket, straight from rods of hazel, with a minimum of tools.

Important information

• Suitable for beginners and improvers
• Outdoors-based course
• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
• Physically demanding activity
• May not be suitable for people with a history of back, neck, shoulder or knee problems.

Tutor: Lewis Goldwater

FULLY BOOKED

Monday 12 October 2026, 9.30am - 4pm (approx), Lag Wood, Hassocks

For absolute beginners who want to learn the basics, this course is an essential introduction to a fundamental skill for woodland management. Join us in this classic woodland setting for a practical day with Chris Keeler, a fourth generation forester and coppice worker with over 20 years of experience.

The 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

Lag Wood is a ten minute walk from Hassocks train station for those using public transport.

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Thursday 5 November 2026, 10am - 12pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

Join us to learn how to make artist's charcoal in an ancient woodland, and find out more about the special woodlands of the Low Weald and Downs.

The course will demonstrate a small-scale technique that produces a wonderful and sustainable art material.

You will learn how to:

• select a suitable site
• prepare material for the burn
• light and monitor the burn.
• close the burn down
• unload and package the charcoal

Fee: £20

Please note this course is not suitable for children.

Lag Wood is a ten minute walk from Hassocks train station for those using public transport.

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Thursday 5 November 2026, 12pm - 2pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

Join us to learn how to make artist's charcoal in an ancient woodland, and find out more about the special woodlands of the Low Weald and Downs.

The course will demonstrate a small-scale technique that produces a wonderful and sustainable art material.

You will learn how to:

• select a suitable site
• prepare material for the burn
• light and monitor the burn.
• close the burn down
• unload and package the charcoal

Fee: £20

Please note this course is not suitable for children.

Lag Wood is a ten minute walk from Hassocks train station for those using public transport.

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Two-day course on 11 and 12 November, 9.30am - 4pm (approx), Sussex Wildlife Trust HQ, Woods Mill.

Suitable for: Beginners, improvers‍

What to wear: Sturdy shoes, clothes that you can get messy.

What to bring: Paper and pen for taking notes.

The course:

Build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods. Tailored to your individual needs, you are encouraged to share details of woodlands you are familiar with to aid your learning.

You will learn about:

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

Your tutor: Chris Keeler

Fee: £85

Chris is our dedicated training officer, who co-ordinates and teaches woodland management and heritage skills, as well as being the lead trainer for the Lost Woods project in Sussex.

He was born into an estate forestry family, and has worked in the coppice, woodland, and arboriculture industry for over 20 years. Chris learned his trade from some of the last ‘proper’ woodsmen who cut trees with axe, hook, and hand saw and still uses these tools to this day. He is passionate about passing on this knowledge to others, as well as communicating his love of all things nature.

"I have a lifetime of experience working in the coppice woodlands of Sussex and Kent, and I love to show how these traditional activities support the health of woodlands and enhance biodiversity."