Weekend in The Woods

national | miscellaneous | news report Wednesday November 20, 2002 12:17 by seeker - Ecotopian

Following the success of our earlier Heritage Weekend and the recent Ecotopia event, CELT has been approached by Gluaiseacht to develop a series of environmental and traditional training courses. The aim is to offer a number of courses running simultaneously and open to anyone. NOV 30 & DEC 1, 2002 Bealkelly Woods, Tuamgraney, Co Clare.

BASKET MAKING AND LIVING WILLOW:
Producing sculpted basketry, planting a living willow structure
Course Tutor: Green Mantle

BLACK SMITHING:
Building a bike powered forge and making tools and decorative items.
Course Tutor: Peter Collins

CHARCOAL PRODUCTION:
The course will include medium and large scale production of charcoal
for barbecue and art use and construction of simple hand made kilns.
Course Tutor: Phil Stringer

WOODLAND MANAGEMENT: COPPICING
This course will concentrate on Hazel wickerworks, Hurdles and woodland
management in line with the Native Woodland Grant Scheme.
Course Tutor: Joe Gowran

DRY STONE WALLING:
Basic technique for Dry Stone Walling, Stile Making and
simple decorative features suitable for gardens.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson

GREEN WOODWORK:
The course will cover techniques of using green wood to produce a variety of simple turned items. Course Tutor: to be confirmed.

HEDGE LAYING:
Management of hedgerows has become a serious conservation issue in recent years.
The course will cover the historical context, traditional techniques and
use of hand tools. Course Tutor: Neil Foulkes

HERBAL LORE:
Participants will learn Identification and gathering of herbs, and production of simple infusions and remedies. Course Tutor: Kes Clarke

RAM PUMP CONSTRUCTION:
The water supply at Bealkelly Wood is pumped from a natural spring(which was tested and found to be of very good quality). The corse will cover the construction, siting and maintenance of simple ram pumps.
Course Tutor: Gary Ellis.

SEED SAVING:
This course will be hosted by Irish seedsavers and will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge about old species of trees, saving techniques, apple grafting and traditional straw plaiting.

THATCHING:
Using traditional Hand tools and locally source materials, this course will cover basic techniques of thatching to produce small structures, e.g. dove-cots, well covers and small garden shelters. Course Tutor:
Brian Rodgers

TINSMITHING:
This is a unique opportunity to gain basic skills in tinsmithing using recycled materials and simple hand tools.
Course Tutor: Andy Harris.

WOOD CARVING:
Using locally sourced timber, participants will have a chance to learn simple carving techniques, use of hand tools and choice of timber.
Course Tutor: Mike Henderson.

YURT CONSTRUCTION:
The Yurt is a Traditional Mongolian style of wood-framed tent. The course will include steam bending of the ash 'wheel', preparation of
hazel supports and construction of a yurt.
Course Tutor: Graham Strouts

It is also planned to hold a number of short walks and seminars hosted by Dell Harding (owner and forester of Bealkelly Wood). Although all
course places will have to be booked in advance, day visitors, school groups and other interested parties will be invited. Three will also be
a number of information stalls, timber extraction displays, and demonstrations of mobile wood milling techniques. All courses will have
ample shelter and heated workshop areas. Bring packed lunches. Tea, coffee, and endless supply of hot potatoes will be provided. It is advisable to wear warm clothes, strong boots or wellies.
Course time will be from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
Visitors will be welcome between 12.00 and 4.00pm.

Cost:
14-18 yrs & students 30 Euro
Adults 40 Euro

Book early as places are limited.
Cheques made payable to: CELT

post form and cheque to:
CELT c/o East Clare Community Co-op
Scariff
Co. Clare.

More info contact
Mark Wilson 061-927456

Accommodation list available on request.