13/12/2011 - Permalink

Weekend of countryside skills at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage

Still looking for ideas for Christmas gifts?  Why not treat a loved one to a course in countryside skills next month.  

An opportunity to experience hedge-laying and coppicing for fuel marks the start of a new season of workshops and activities designed specifically for adults at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. Courses include:

  • Hedge-laying on Saturday 14 January 2012 from 9am to 4pm
  • Coppicing for fuel on Sunday 15 January 2012 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The hedge-laying course is aimed at novices and beginners who can enjoy a practical, hands-on experience in this ancient art.  The course will involve the restoration of a hedge to provide a better habitat for wildlife.

The day-long workshop costs just £50, and will also cover how to identify the species within a hedge, the importance of hedges within the landscape, and the safe use of the tools and techniques used for hedge-laying.  The course will be facilitated by tutor David Marpole, who was taught the craft of hedge-laying by his grandfather on the family farm, and who now spends many weeks in the winter months laying hedges for farmers.

The coppicing for fuel course, which costs just £5, explores husbandry techniques associated with trees best suited to coppicing for fuel.  Participants will get to fell small trees using bow saws under the guidance of Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre ranger, Ed Moseley. 

Councillor Mike Owen, Cabinet member responsible for tourism and culture, said:

“Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is the perfect place to learn these rural skills, to work with tutors who make their living through the practice of their craft, and to enjoy the unique and peaceful atmosphere at the centre.  I encourage many people to join these fantastic courses.”

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, run by Shropshire Council, will be hosting other courses throughout March 2012.  Courses include card-making using lino-cutting techniques, garden design, and getting to know your DSLR camera.

As these are popular courses, booking is essential.  For more information and to book a course contact Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre on 01588 676060.