Hazel grows prolifically around us in this landscape, since it was once an important material for making many things including hurdle fences to contain animals. Most of the hazel coppices around us have been unused and neglected for many years. We will be walking through the woods of Waterside Valley and towards Haydon Batch, cutting and harvesting hazel. This will be used to make hurdle fences.

Why? Because it’s fun! And coppicing stimulates new growth so is good for the hazel stand. Also, it connects us to the amazing versatility of the trees growing around us, by learning to choose, harvest, prepare, soften and work with the hazel rods that sprout abundantly from the base of each tree. You will learn how to make something that could be useful in your own garden as a fence or border.

We will move at a companionable pace, break when we need to, and take in turns with any heavier work. This is a 2-day course; on the 6th we will be mostly harvesting; most of the hurdle-making will be on the 7th. Come for either or ideally both.