Name: Sweet Chestnut Coppicing Workshop - Sleastonhow Farm 2
Start: 2026-03-03T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-03T15:30:00+00:00
Location: Sleastonhow Farm

Sweet Chestnut Coppicing Workshop - Sleastonhow Farm 2

Spend a day learning about Sweet Chestnut coppicing at Sleastonhow Farm near Kirkby Thore.
About this Event

The growing and coppicing of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) has generally been confined to the southern counties in the UK. However, around 15 years ago Tim Nicholson of Sleastonhow Farm decided to try planting some on his Cumbrian farm near Kirkby Thore. The trees have grown well and are now ready to be coppiced and converted into fencing materials. Sweet Chestnut offers superior durability and regularly lasts up to (and sometimes beyond) 15 - 20 years as a post in the ground.

We have received funding to offer numerous free training workshops where participants can learn all about growing Sweet Chestnut for fencing materials in this way. We'll cover a broad range of topics from establishment of the trees, the suitabilty of sites through to the practical skills needed to coppice and convert these trees into fencing materials.

This is very much a practical training course, so please bring water proofs and work boots (ideally steel toe capped). All tools needed for the day will be provided. A free hot lunch will also be provided.

Please note that these workshops are aimed at those working, or hoping to work, in the land management / farming / conservation sectors. If you don't fall into these categories, or you're unsuccessful in securing a place on these workshops please email me at [email protected] - there may be other opportunities available.