Restoring a Hazel Coppice in Tyne Valley

Just under a year ago I agreed a licence to look after 7 hectares of neglected hazel coppice. I had discovered this wonderful area of coppice, with indicators of ancient woodland and saw it could serve as an example of the traditional woodland management system known as "coppicing".

I divided the area into eight "coops" and have just spent this last winter coppicing the first coop - getting useful woodland products such as bean rods, pea sticks, hedging stakes, walking sticks etc, as well as opening up the woodland floor to light, to encourage wildflowers and further bio-diversity.

As the coppice had been neglected for some years, there was a large amount of "over-sized" wood in this first cut - and now I want to convert this material into charcoal, to create another traditional woodland product.

I have been offered a secondhand charcoal kiln that is in very good condition and have also just completed a course in charcoal making. I am looking forward to starting to make "local" charcoal, which is a more ethical, sustainable cooking product than most charcoal sold on the UK market.

The money raised will allow me to buy this kiln (a double ring 6 foot kiln - technical bit), and it will also cover the cost of transport to the woodland site, and the purchase of the few ancillary items I will need in the setting up of the kiln and starting the process of making charcoal.

Any woodland is a great place for volunteers to work - they can learn about traditional skills and practical management work, and charcoal making will be one such task. It also offers the chance for people to explore a new environment and can provide well-being and mindfulness - away from the daily life.