Woodland Management and Stewardship: October 2025

Description

A practical two-day course for land stewards, new woodland owners and the curious. Location: Voltaire’s Wood, Gloucestershire – 120-acre semi-ancient woodland Are you a new woodland owner or considering buying a woodland? Curious about how to manage your land sustainably, supporting biodiversity, or generate income? Or perhaps you're a professional working for a nature-led organisation who would like to develop their knowledge around trees? Join our flagship two-day course in the heart of our 120-acre woodland, led by Graham Morgan of SlimWoods CIC. A mixture of classroom based and fieldwork in the woods, with both introductory and professional levels. What you’ll learn: - How to read a woodland. - Soil classifications, identification - Planning the future for woodland - Boosting biodiversity through ride management and coppicing. - Managing veteran trees - Habitat mapping, monitoring, and grant frameworks - Introduction to Countryside Stewardship - how to apply for funding - Hands-on demonstrations of tree felling, extraction and processing. - Woodland management for biodiversity targets and conservation strategy - Real-world costs and income options from managing a woodland. We run sections of this course with two parallel streams. They are geared either towards a practical introduction to woodland management or towards professional environmental interests. We will be in contact in advance to find the best fit for you. Who's it for: - Small woodland owners. - People considering buying woodland. - Countryside workers. - Land managers. No prior experience required – just bring boots, weatherproofs, and curiosity. History of the course: We have run this course since 2023. We are an accredited training provider for the Forestry Commission and this course was offered as part of the Forestry & Arb Training Fund (now ended). Graham Morgan is the course lead. In addition, we invite session speakers. They have previously included a veteran tree specialist from the Woodland Trust, coppicers from Westonbirt, "leaky dam" experts, as well as our regular forestry workers. “An informative and inspiring couple of days. I thought I knew a lot through work in nature conservation for many years and this gave me a new perspective" - Carter, 2024

What's included in the price?

- Tuition, course handouts, and guided fieldwork. - Tea, coffee & biscuits throughout. - Optional camping or van park-up in the woods (free) or nearby B&Bs (at your own cost).

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Voltaire's Wood

with Craft Courses since 2023

Message the tutor

An ancient woodland near Stroud in Gloucestershire, thriving under new management. Voltaire is the name of our house dog.