Additional Course Information
All the details you need will be supplied upon booking. However, here are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about what to bring and what to expect.
Kit List
A full kit list will be provided for each course. You will not need to own or bring any fancy equipment to be comfortable. We have some spare basic equipment which you may be able to borrow if needed.
For residential courses, it is likely you will need to bring:
- Waterproof and warm clothing
- Boots
- Tent / sleeping bag / mat
- Eating utensils
- Torch
Tools
All the tools you will need to take part in the courses will be provided.
You will be taught how to use these tools safely and care for them, yourselves and others around you.
Some tools will be for sale at the end of the courses, or you can purchase them through the toolshop section of this website.
Wet Weather
Courses will run in all but the most extreme weather conditions.
Both Old Wives Wood and Newthorpe Farm have some shelter against adverse weather conditions and covered working areas will be provided if necessary.
Health and Safety
Your health and welfare is of paramount importance. Please provide details when booking of any significant health conditions and dietry requirements. There will always be a first aider on site.
Public Liability Insurance is carried.by the company for up to £2 million
Comprehensive risk assessments are completed for each course.
All courses will involve the use of sharp tools. Training will be given, but care must be taken at all times.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is based on camping in the wood or on the farm. In certain circumstances, if you wish to book a local bed and breakfast this can be arranged. But there is much to be gained from staying at the course base camp in terms of the overall experience of being in the woodland environment and to gain from social interaction with other course participants.
You’ll be working hard during the day. On residential courses the evening is a time to slow down a little, sit by the fire, perhaps practice some of your new-learnt skills and get to know your fellow participants a bit more. Given the number of sharp implements on hand, alcohol is not permitted.
Basic toilet facilities will be provided, appropriate to the woodland environment. This does not mean that standards of hygiene will be compromised!
Food
The courses are inclusive of all meals. Residential courses will also include a light meal on the evening of arrival.
Meals will be prepared by a combination of the team and course participants, as part of the syllabus.
For one day courses a hearty coppicers’ lunch will be laid on.
We can cater for some special dietary requirements. Please talk to us about any specific needs you might have when you reserve your place on the course.
Deposits
To reserve your place we do require a deposit at the time of booking.
One day courses require a deposit of £20. Bookings for residential courses should be accompanied by a £40 deposit.
Deposits are non-returnable. In circumstances where your place can be filled it might be possible to refund your deposit.
In the unlikely event of courses being cancelled, all deposits will be returned.
Children
At our discretion, children over 12 can be booked on the courses. They will need to be accompanied by a responsible and participating adult.
If you are interested in specific courses targeted at older children, please contact Dan to discuss your requirements.
Tutors
Each course has a lead tutor with a support team of at least two other staff.
Participant numbers are limited so that there is always at least one member of the team to four participants.
