OPEN DAYS

A Chance to Visit Ben's Working Woodlands and his Cruck Framed Roundwood House

These are ticketed days designed to give you an insight into the way of life at Prickly Nut Wood. The day involves a tour of the woodlands led by Ben, which is a guided journey through the landscape he knows and tends. The different styles of management are explained along with an insight into the types of timber and non-timber products produced. The afternoon involves looking at the roundwood workshop, orchard and gardens, and culminates with a viewing of the woodland house.

You get to go on a woodland walk with Ben where he explains about his work and shows you the source of his woodland house and of course you get to go inside his stunning home. There are other benefits offered too all designed to make it an unforgettable experience.


Open Days 2010
All of the announced 2010 Open Days; April 24th, June 5th, July 17th and Oct 9th are now fully booked.

Open Days 2011
There are a few places left for 2011 Open Days; April 9th, June 4th, July 16th and Oct 1st. April and June are now fully booked. Last few places for July and October.

COURSES

Courses by Ben Law

OCN Sustainable Woodland Management
Level 3
The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire
22nd - 26th March 2010
8th - 12th November 2010
Cost Non Residential £350.00
Cost Residential £428.00

OCN Coppicing Level 2
Ben Law & Darren Hammerton
The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire
6th - 10th December 2010
Cost Non Residential £350.00
Cost Residential £428.00

Week of Clay
The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire
Week beginning 28th July 2010
Cost £100.00
Rumford fireplace, cordwood wall and adobe floor construction.

Five week Roundwood Building Opportunity
Ben is offering four trainees a unique opportunity to be part of his team during a five week roundwood timber framing construction this year. The apprentices will help build a new outdoor classroom and celebration space, beginning 10 May 2010, at The Sustainability Centre, Hampshire.Applicants must be committed to the project for the full five weeks.


For further details of the above please contact Raina Jones

Woodlands & Permaculture
Ben Law's Woodland, West Sussex
23th October 2010
Cost £95.00

This course includes:
Woodland assessment
Adding value to woodland produce
Non-timber produce
Permaculture in relation to woodland
Planning and woodland
and whatever other enquires you may have.

Practical Coppicing
Ben Law's Woodland, West Sussex
12th February 2011
Cost £95.00

Practical coppicing- a day spent with Ben coppicing, snedding and sorting product. A great opportunity to get a feel for working coppice and the products that can be sourced from it as well as a good experience of the essence of winter.

Roundwood Timber Framing
Ben Law's Woodland, West Sussex
21th-24th May 2010 - Fully Booked
23rd-26th September 2010 - Fully Booked
2011 - dates to be announced
Cost £400.00

Cheques only should be sent for my attention here, payable to Ben Law (spaces are limited so we recommend you book and pay asap).

This course is based around the construction of a roundwood frame. During the course you will turn theory into practice.

Key areas covered:
1. Why to build with roundwood - the advantages and disadvantages
2. Species of tree suitable for roundwood timber framing
3. Jointing techniques and options
4. Tools needed for roundwood framing
5. Practical application of these ideas

I've Bought a Woodland, What do I do now?
Ben Law's Woodland, West Sussex
10th April 2010
2011 - dates to be announced
Cost £95.00

A course to answer a question Ben is often asked. For those who have bought.  For those thinking of buying.  For those thinking of learning.  For those buying standing timber.  For those about to work a wood.  This course will include answers to planning in woodlands and will be tailored to participants needs.

Charcoal Burning & Production
Ben Law's Woodland, West Sussex
13th March 2010
2011 - dates to be announced
Cost £95.00

A practical day where we will experience charcoal burning at different stages in its process. We will lay out and load a kiln, light, free burn, bring under control and cover chimney alignment. Another kiln will be at the end of the burn cycle and we will experience shutting down. We will cover choices of wood, seasoning, packaging and marketing. Be prepared for a long day as burn times can be unpredictable!

For further details or to book onto a course please contact Tony Rollinson

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Roundwood Timber Framing

Opportunity for trainees on a Roundwood Timber frame build in Sussex, starting September 2010, minimum commitment 4 weeks.

For further details please contact Ben Law

WOODSMAN'S LIFESTYLE

This is an opportunity for individuals who are keen to develop a lifestyle around working and living with woodlands. Two candidates are chosen to begin each November. The length of time committed is flexible but a minimum of 4 months is suggested. Accomodation is basic but you will learn many woodland management and craft skills working directly with Ben Law.

If you would like to apply please send details of yourself in writing to:
Ben Law, Prickly Nut Wood, Snapelands Copse, Lodsworth, West Sussex GU28 9DR.

ILLUSTRATED TALKS

Presentations By Ben Law

Ben gives illustrated talks on his work at Prickly Nut Wood. These can be either 35mm slide shows or Powerpoint presentations. For environmental reasons, he rarely agrees to talks outside of the South East of England.

For further details contact Ben Law

CORPORATE EDUCATION

Corporate Events at Prickly Nut Wood

Prickly Nut Wood is a peaceful, educational environment in which small corporate groups have expanded their knowledge of environmental issues; from break away groups from large companies to small local council groups. Prickly Nut Wood can tailor a low impact education experience for most organisations. Itineries have included - guided walks, dawn chorus tea, hands on woodland work, expression through drawing, using home made charcoal, deepening awareness of nature and the environment.

For further details of Corporate Education please contact Ben Law