Woodland Pioneers

Our “Woodland Pioneers – An Introduction to Coppicing” course introduces you to the apprenticeship scheme and/or to coppicing and greenwood crafts.

In 2026 our course will run from 24 – 28 August at Silverhelme Scout Camp, Silverdale, Lancashire.

Bookings are open! Jump into our shop to book your place now!

The course fee is on a sliding scale – so you pay what you can afford between £395 and £595.

For Newcomers…

This week-long course (An Introduction to Coppicing) consists of four 1-day workshops, Mon-Thurs:

Treen
Twiggy (BHMAT Chair + graduate) will teach you the skills required to create a range of small wooden products including spatulas and ‘gypsy roses’.
Mini Gate Hurdles
Using traditional tools and ancient techniques, Owen Jones (MBE, oak swill basket-maker) will show you how to make rails and posts, and mortise and tenon joints, to complete your own traditional cleft gate hurdle.
Charcoal
The Coppice Co-op (BHMAT sponsors) will teach you a range of methods used to create charcoal, from DIY in your back garden, to the very latest in modern environmentally sustainable practices. Expect to get grubby in your quest for black gold!
Greenwood Stools
Helen Clarke (BHMAT graduate) will show you how to use traditional tools to shape and assemble the necessary parts to create your very own unique stool to take home with you.

For the final day, Friday, you’ll select a morning and afternoon workshop. More details during the week.

Book on the Introduction to Coppicing course

For Returners…

People who have already completed our introductory course can choose from either:

Asymmetrical Willow Baskets and Spoon Carving
Jane Bradley works with rush, willow, hedgerow materials and anything that can be woven. She will guide you in making a beautiful and useful willow basket featuring a wooden handle.
Jill Swan is a highly respected tutor in the art of spoon carving and runs the annual Spoon Carving Festival, Spoontown. She will show you how to use axes and cutting tools safely to make beautiful and functional utensils.

OR
Knife Forging and Leather Sheath Making
Matt Whitaker will show you how to forge your own carving knife from steel on charcoal forges using hand powered blowers. You’ll then grind and sharpen your knife, and fashion and fit a handle.
Tony Morgan will teach you how to cut out and dye leather for your sheath. You’ll then sew the sheath together using saddle stitch, bevel and burnish the edges and wet-mould to create a snug fit.

For the final day, Friday, you’ll select a morning and afternoon workshop. More details during the week.

Book on the Baskets and Spoons course

Book on the Knife and Sheath course

Location: SilverHelme Scout Activity Camp, The Row, Silverdale, Lancashire. LA5 0UG. O.S.
Map 97 Ref. SD 473 752, what3words address: ///mimed.cardinal.unscathed

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A STRICTLY ‘NO DOGS’ SITE

Course fee: £395-£595 (we have a sliding scale so you can pay what you can afford)

Concessions: If you can’t afford the lowest full course fee, we might, in certain circumstances, be able to help so do get in touch – info@coppiceapprentice.org.uk

Food: The cost of a hearty, delicious veggie/vegan lunch and evening meal is included in your fee. Breakfast will be provided at a small extra cost. There is also a tea tent in the woods that will keep you supplied with brews – and, more importantly, cake – during the day! It’s also a great social space during the day to catch up with everyone!

Certificate: If you’d like a certificate (cost £10), you’ll be asked to complete a workbook detailing your learning throughout the week. This will be emailed to you beforehand then you can either print it out or complete it electronically. For those who want to apply for a BHMAT placement, please note that the cert is a must!

The minimum age for participants and people on site is 18 years of age – we can take no responsibility for those under 18.

BHMAT and our tutors take every precaution to ensure your safety and we will have a number of qualified First Aiders on site. Please let us know of any special medical or mental health condition or medication that might compromise your safety or that of others.

Disability access is limited on site, so please talk with us about any specific needs before you book on the course.

Our Woodland Pioneers week is a break-even event. Any additional donation to help BHMAT with costs and its apprenticeship programme would be very much appreciated. Make a donation.

If we become fully booked with no places left then please email info@coppiceapprentice.org.uk to be added to our reserve list.

Cancellations:
If we cancel, we will return all course fees sent to us.
If you need to cancel after you have paid the course fee, please note the following cancellation charges:
£10 charge on cancellations before midnight on Fri 10th July
£40 charge on cancellations from midnight on Fri 10th July to midnight on Fri 31st July
No refund available after midnight on Fri 31st July.

Here’s what past participants have said about our event:

“I learned a lot and I loved every day I was there. I would and have recommended the
course to anyone remotely interested in green woodwork.”

“Workshop leaders seemed to love what they do and know and that is a lovely experience
for a participant.”

“The food was something else. I was in awe at the home baked bread (and cake!) which was
just delicious. The food was inspiring – I’m going home to try some new recipes as I will miss
the food so much!”

“I can honestly say I loved every minute of the week.”