Pembrokeshire college keeping Welsh woodland crafts alive
The aim is to preserve traditional skills while giving people deeper, more meaningful ways to connect with nature and support Welsh woodlands.
Tracey Styles, lead tutor at the college, said: "By providing the necessary learning and skills, we give woodlands the chance to flourish in Wales.
"Woodland crafts provide so much to the woodland worker from reduced anxiety to improved fitness and a wealth of new skills.
"We're providing the opportunity to spend time in nature through heritage crafts while sustainably managing woodlands.
"These skills can provide an income for people and are particularly important in a time of environmental turmoil and increasingly screen-focussed living."
The college, based in Pengelli Forest, has been promoting and protecting these crafts for 20 years.
Although some heritage practices like hazel basketmaking and pole lathe bowl turning are making a comeback, others remain at risk of being lost.
The college believes these skills give woodlands renewed value in today's world.
Its current programme includes workshops such as How to Pole Lathe on August 9, Tree ID in Summer on August 10, and Kimchi and Kitchen Treen on September 13.
A Small Scale Charcoal Production workshop will be held on October 4, followed by Introduction to Coppicing & Products on November 9.
Additional courses planned for later in the year include a Hand Carved Comb Workshop in December, Willow Hearts & Hazel Flowers in February, Hedgelaying in February, Make a Shave Horse in March, and Cleft Gate Making in April.
Workshops can be booked via the Craft Courses website.
Details about volunteering and other opportunities are available on the Coppicewood College website and social media channels.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Summer Reading Challenge returns to libraries across Wales
This summer, they are at the heart of a nationwide reading challenge and a major investment in digital services. The annual Summer Reading Challenge, now underway, invites children to read at least six books of their choice, with rewards including a medal and certificate for those who complete it. Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, said: "Digitisation of library services is not just something that makes their use easier, but something which is essential for their longevity. "I'd like to extend a 'diolch' to Cyngor Gwynedd for their hard work to ensure every authority is able to use the platform easily." The challenge attracts more than 33,000 participants each year and is part-funded by the Welsh Government through the Books Council of Wales. Libraries across Wales are hosting story times and themed events during the summer holidays to encourage even more children to take part. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: "We are once again funding the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. "The Challenge helps capture children's imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays." A major step forward for Welsh libraries this year is the launch of a new digital platform. The £900,000 project, led by Cyngor Gwynedd, unites all 22 Welsh local authorities on a single system for the first time, making library services more accessible and user-friendly. Mr Sargeant said: "These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs that inspire learning, creativity and connection across all ages. "Through digital innovation and engaging summer programmes, libraries continue to play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning and community cohesion throughout Wales."
Cambrian News
20 hours ago
- Cambrian News
Aberystwyth geographer wins award for scientific research and Welsh-medium teaching
She went on to complete a PhD at Aberystwyth University, supported by a Welsh-Medium Teaching Postgraduate Scholarship from the Centre for the Development of Welsh-medium Higher Education.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Hydrangeas will grow better flowers if you do one simple task in August
Hydrangeas will grow better flowers if you do one simple task in August Hydrangeas are hardy plants that do not need much care, but there is one simple gardening task that can ensure they continue to bloom beautifully for much longer Hydrangeas will grow even perkier flowers if one simple task is done in August (Image: Getty) Hydrangeas, robust as they are, typically require minimal maintenance, yet there's one thing they need for their delicate root systems - ample moisture. As rain is something Wales is currently lacking, one straightforward gardening chore can really help. Despite regular watering, hydrangeas can suffer in extreme heat, leading to wilting, underdeveloped blooms, or even halted growth. However, Skye Hamilton, affectionately dubbed the Hydrangea Queen and founder of Hamilton House Designs, has divulged a tip for safeguarding your hydrangeas. She explained: "Mulching hydrangeas is super beneficial for retaining moisture, retaining nutrients, and feeding the soil. Hydrangeas have wide, shallow roots, so finding the right mulch is very important." The practice of mulching involves covering the soil around plants with a protective layer to shield them from the elements, particularly useful in summer to conserve soil moisture. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here A good mulch layer acts as a barrier against evaporation and also insulates the plant's roots, keeping them cool regardless of the soaring temperatures, reports the Express. This technique not only keeps hydrangeas looking vibrant and encourages flowering during intense heat but also prevents weeds from encroaching, reducing the need for additional gardening tasks. How to mulch hydrangeas in August Mulching is simple but helps the soil retain moisture to keep hydrangeas hydrated (Image: Getty) It's advisable to utilise a natural mulch known for its water-retention properties, such as pine, cedar, bark chips, pine straw or leaf mulch. These types of mulch not only keep hydrangeas hydrated but also decompose slowly, providing the plant with additional nutrients. Distribute a thin layer (approximately two to four inches thick) around a hydrangea plant, taking care not to overdo it or create piles. Hydrangeas require ample moisture in August, but an excess can lead to stagnant water in the soil, which may attract pests and diseases. After applying the mulch, give the hydrangea a thorough watering. Article continues below This should enable it to flourish and produce large, fluffy flowers throughout August, rather than merely struggling to survive as it typically would.
