Step-by-Step: Biodynamic Woodland Management

This new course is an introduction to Biodynamic Woodland Management, providing the opportunity to build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods. This six-day course is drawn from our rich biodynamic training Growing the Land, Growing People and would suit those wishing to learn about how to manage and work practically using biodynamic methods in a small woodland. It is held once a month on a Saturday.

Course summary:

Structure: 50/50 Practical and Theory

Cost: £150, Max number 12 (RMT staff can apply via CPD)

Time: 9:45- 15:00 (15 min break, 30min lunch - provided at the Woodland Kitchen)

Location: Ruskin Mill College woods

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Describe the basic principles, intentions and methods of the biodynamic approach to woodland management

• Understand the woodland cycle

• Use woodland management hand tools safely

• Recognise the woodland as a unique entity whilst seeing its relationship with the wider environment

Dates and course programme

Day 1 (November): 11/11/2023

Seeing the Wood for the Trees – getting to know the woods

Observation exercise

What is a tree? Forms, species, physiology

What is a wood? Types of wood, sizes, shapes, purpose, history

Trees in community – seeking the light, layered growth, below the surface (roots and fungi)

Genius loci, the spirit of place survey – getting to know your woods

Practical: Observation of Park Wood, the genius loci survey, collecting/sowing seeds

Day 2 (December): 9/12/2023

Care of Trees

The woodland cycle – working with daily and seasonal rhythms and conditions

Pruning, training, guarding, felling, extraction, pest control etc

Woodland management tools

Practical: small felling by hand, pruning

Day 3 (January): 13/01/2024

The Next Generation

Compost

Seeds – types, planting regimes, after-care

Cuttings, layering

How to plant a tree

Woodland soil

Practical: plant seeds and bought-in trees

Day 4 (February): 24/02/2024

The Gifts of Trees

Woodland’s providers of materials – timber, underwood, brash, fodder etc.

From seed to product, the cyclical process

Management styles – coppice, pollard, standards, plantation, continuous cover versus clear-fell, willow beds

Practical: cut a hazel coppice and process material

Day 5 (March): 16/03/2024

The Woodland Edge

How to manage the woodland edge

Biodiversity in the woodlands (above and below ground) – the role of flowers, insects, birds and bees; habitats for insects, birds, mammals and worms with trees, hedges and ponds

Hedges - hedges as wildlife corridors, maintaining hedges

Plants in woodland – indicator species

Practical: hedge-laying

Day 6 (April): 20/04/2024

The Woodlands between Sun and Earth

The woodlands as an organism

The woodlands in context of the wider environment

The biodynamic calendar 

The biodynamic preparations and how to use them

Practical: Stirring and spraying the Horn Silica preparation (500)

Faculty

Chris Helliwell, MSc, Training and Development Coordinator at Clervaux Garden School

“I have been a maker of bespoke furniture and followed the craft of traditional wood for 30 years. Around 20 years ago I became involved in an eco-centre near Darlington, which later became Clervaux Trust. I am fascinated by ancient, human-powered and sustainable ways of production which has led me to specialise in bowl turning. Along with the land team I help look after the young woods at Clervaux and have established new areas of woodland with a view to ecological enhancement of the farm and the security of future material for woodworking. In 2015 I completed an MSc in the Ruskin Mill Trust method, and for many years have taught crafts both outside and within Ruskin Mill where I now focus on staff training.”

Rhys Townsend, Tutor and Trust Woodland Advisor, LANTRA trainer

“I have worked for Ruskin Mill Trust since 2001 carrying out a variety of roles including woodland management, bow making and archery tutor, and developing the woodland management curriculum. I developed the Welsh stick chair and green woodwork curriculum at Coleg Plas Dwbl and am the LANTRA trainer for Ruskin Mill Trust, focusing on forestry and arboriculture machinery qualifications. I have a huge passion for green woodwork and hand felling techniques.”

Richard Turley, BSc Hons, MSc, PGCE, Woodland Manager, Advanced Practitioner and Advisor, Tutor at Ruskin Mill College.

“My interest has always been embedded in landscape and how it has formed socially, biologically and physically. After a degree in geology, I decided to follow a passion for working with nature, and after a brief spell helping to grow vegetables in a Victorian walled garden, I found myself at Ruskin Mill College helping to develop a woodland craft curriculum. I have 25 years of experience in therapeutic teaching of traditional woodcraft and in managing our small ancient beechwood. I continue to teach young adults and also challenge myself to gain wisdom of woodland and associated crafts, recently developing my interest of storytelling in the landscape.”

Course information and application

*External course fee: £150

RMT staff: No fee (apply via the CPD process)

Booking: To book, email office@biodynamic.org.uk