Courses

Throughout the year, we run a series of courses relating to the subjects of coppicing, green woodworking & sustainable woodland management. Past courses include: hurdle making, spar making, hedgelaying, continuous woven fencing, charcoal making, hedgelaying and spoon carving.

Unless otherwise detailed, these courses will be run at our off-grid ‘Living Classroom’ in the woodlands above Blandford Forum, Dorset.

Keep an eye on this page, as courses will be detailed here as and when they are available.

Full- Introduction to Hazel Splitting -full

Full- Introduction to Hazel Splitting -full

September 19, 2026    
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
This course is a half day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel. The day’s course will start with learning the magical art […]
In conversation : Toby Wiggins with Russell Woodham

In conversation : Toby Wiggins with Russell Woodham

FROM BILLHOOK TO BRUSH What happened when a Dorset hedgelayer met award-winning artist Toby Wiggins? It began with a normal winter’s day in the Dorset […]
HEDGELAYING HAVE A GO TASTER DAYS

HEDGELAYING HAVE A GO TASTER DAYS

October 31, 2026    
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
£65.00
Have you ever wanted to have a go at the traditional country craft of Hedgelaying? Dorset Coppice Group is running taster, on the 31st October […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting

Introduction to Hazel Splitting

October 31, 2026    
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
£45.00 – £55.00
This course is a half day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel. The day’s course will start with learning the magical art […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

November 21, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£70.00 – £85.00
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

December 5, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£70.00 – £85.00
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how […]
Framed Hurdles

Framed Hurdles

January 23, 2027    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£110.00 – £125.00
Framed hurdles course The course will cover making frames, Making a 6’x3’ hurdle, touching on the splitting of Hazel and the use of thinner stems. […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

February 27, 2027    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£70.00 – £85.00
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

March 20, 2027    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£70.00 – £85.00
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how […]
Introduction to Spar Making - Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place?

Introduction to Spar Making – Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place?

April 17, 2027    
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
£45.00 – £55.00
Intro to Spar Making Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place? Would you like to learn about the intrinsic link between ancient hazel […]