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© Emma Goldsmith/ Small Woods Association
Whether you’re new to woodland management or you’d like to brush up on your skills, if you look after woods in the Low Weald and Downs then there’s a training course for you. We’re running subsidised courses on sustainable woodland management and green woodworking.
This is your chance to learn a new woodland skill, meet a range of people taking on similar challenges, and create balanced and resilient woodlands where wildlife can flourish.
Our woodlands once covered a vast area of the UK. For thousands of years, they maintained their own essential balance through natural processes, traditional management techniques and wildlife activity. But this balance has been thrown out by development, shrinking woodland habitats, loss of traditional woodland skills and planting of non-native trees.
By actively managing woodlands today, we can:
© Emma Goldsmith/ Small Woods Association
Our courses are open to anyone aged over 18 who would like to learn woodland management skills, and we encourage people local to the Low Weald and South Downs to join us. Our training courses especially appeal to woodland owners, woodland workers, and voluntary conservation group members.
The cost of training is heavily subsidised in order to make it accessible to as many people as possible. However, we have a small number of apprenticeship bursaries available to young people and those interested in finding out more about changing to a woodland career. Please contact us to discuss.
Introduction to Woodland Management
November 11, 2026
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.
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.
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."
Introduction to Coppicing
October 12, 2026
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.
Fee: £45
Lag Wood is a ten minute walk from Hassocks train station for those using public transport.
We’re busy developing our full programme of course dates and locations. For now, please get in touch to find out more or join a waiting list.
I’m looking forward to meeting you on one of our courses – and seeing the difference you make with your new skills!
I was born into an estate forestry family, and have been involved in some form of woodland work ever since. Most of my career has been in the coppice industry, including teaching apprentices practical woodland management skills.
Sharing heritage skills is one of my passions, including teaching coppice restoration, charcoal burning, hedge-laying and coppice crafts. I have experience of the sweet chestnut coppice woodlands of Sussex and Kent. And I love to show how these traditional activities support the health of woodlands and enhance biodiversity.
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We’re keen to hear from landowners and groups who manage woodland. What skills and training do you need to help your woodlands and their wildlife thrive?
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