Charcoal Making
| Date | Saturday 20th August 2011 |
|---|---|
| Time | 10:00 until 17:00 |
| Meet At | Hectors House Ecclesall Sawmill, Abbey Lane, Sheffield S7 2QZ |
| Organised By | Ecclesall Woods Sawmill |
| Bus Route | 97 or 98 |
| Description | Learn how Charcoal was made the traditional way, in a woodland environment: Ecclesall Woods has a long history of active management to produce timber, charcoal and other wood products. From the 16th century until the late nineteenth century the woodland was managed as a "coppice with standards", with parts of the woodland regularly cut down every 15-25 years and then allowed to re-grow. The cut material or "coppice" was used for firewood, making charcoal, etc. The "standards" were trees allowed to grow for around 100 years, and then felled to provide timber for house building, etc. Charcoal has been made in Ecclesall Woods for centuries - for hearths, ovens and furnaces. Ecclesall Woods contains the remains of over 300 earth 'hearths' for charcoal burning, and a memorial stone for one of the charcoal burners. This course is run on consecutive weekends - Saturday's 20th & 27th August. This 2-day course is run by Ray Lister and Samantha Pearce of Creative Country Crafts, who are working woodland crafts people. You will use a metal ring-kiln to make barbecue charcoal and a small quantity of artists' charcoal. Day 1 will include preparing the kiln, erecting chimneys, loading and lighting the kiln, and burning charcoal. Day 2 will include 'digging out' the charcoal, processing and bagging the product and testing the charcoal on a barbecue. Everyone gets to take a bag of charcoal home with them. Please bring outdoor clothes and boots, and a packed lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Cost £70, refundable up to 2 weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee). No refund for cancellations within 2 weeks of course date. |
| Contact | Sarah Chapman |
| Phone No. | Office 0114 2356348 Mobile 07875 590255 |
| Sarah.Chapman [at] sheffield.gov.uk | |
| Website | http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees--woodlands/ecclesall-woods/sawmill-site-project |
| Type of Event | Practical Activity |
| Primary Focus | Sustainable Development |
| Wheelchair/Pushchair Accessible | Yes |
| Suitable for Families | No |