Workshop content:
In the past the woods would have rung out with workers cutting and cleaving, weaving and charcoal burning. Force Knot Wood is ideally placed to illustrate this industrial heritage with the old bobbin mills and forges very close by and a long history of timber use.
A coppice regime is being reintroduced here and swill basket makers Owen Jones and Lorna Singleton are working in the woods to produce the timber they need for their craft, with side lines of peeled oak for the tanning industry and charcoal and firewood. Jack Holden has also been working in the woods and specialises in cleft oak fences and gates. All these modern uses will be on show on this special working woodlands themed day.
Activity grade: Easy/moderate
Meet: Force Knott Barn, Force Mills LA12 8LQ Grid ref SD34910703
Time: 10am – 4pm
Workshop trainer: Woodland workers: Lorna Singleton, Owen Jones and Jack Holden, Rebecca Oaks of the Skills and Swills programme for Rusland Horizons