Course Tutor: Brian Williamson of West Country Coppice

This is a great opportunity to learn and compare the two key charcoal and Bio-char making techniques using a ring kiln and retort methods as well as charcoal making on a smaller scale in a barrel. Working alongside a professional charcoal maker the course will be delivered at Westonbirt Arboretum.

You will learn:

• Selecting a suitable site for a kiln
• Prepare and grade suitable timber
• Loading the kiln
• Lighting and monitoring the burn
• Closing the burn down
• Unloading, grading and packaging

Camping will be possible on site, but please let us know in advance if you wish to do so.

Brian Williamson is highly experienced and has been involved in conservation land management, wood crafts and coppicing since the early eighties.