CHARCOAL BURNING An Introduction is a two day introductory course that is suitable for anyone.

• DATES: 2023 dates to be confirmed
  
• 2 days
• Cost: £220
• Venue: The Northumberland Centre for Greenwood Craft at Kirkley Hall Farm.

From woodland contractors wanting to diversify, to private woodland owners, aspirant woodland owners and country park wardens.

Also, volunteers, garden centres and agricultural colleges will want to learn the black art of charcoal burning.

Charcoal burning can be a large-scale commercial operation, or it can be small scale and relaxing activity.  It can be an evocative experience whilst in the woods and at the same time, producing a very usable product.

It is in fact, a fascinating and enjoyable way to use up smaller woodland timber that might otherwise go to waste.

Tutor Maurice Pyle produced charcoal commercially for more than 15 years and is a renowned woodland craft teacher.

The venue for this event is The Northumberland Centre for Greenwood Craft at Kirkley Hall Farm.  It is about 9 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne in the heart of beautiful Northumbrian countryside.

Day 1 (Saturday) is a long one. We’ll start early at about 7am and finish late into the evening at around 7pm.  We’ll make charcoal in a 6’ commercial steel ring kiln and a WOODSMITH Mini Kiln.

Day 2 (Sunday) starts slightly later at 10am and finishes around 1: 00pm. During this shorter session, we’ll open up the cooled kilns to assess the results, empty the kilns then grade and bag the charcoal. We’ll discuss the specification and characteristics of good quality charcoal suitable for the BBQ and other markets.  You will of course take home a bag of fantastic quality charcoal.

The majority of BBQ charcoal available in the UK is made from tropical hardwoods and has travelled halfway around the world. Locally made charcoal uses low value, easily harvested native hardwoods, it is easy-to-light, long lasting and best of all, it's sustainable.

What will you learn?

This course is a very practical introduction to charcoal making. We’ll thoroughly explain the ancient and fascinating subject from start to finish in a number of different devices. We’ll also look at grading, bagging and marketing of high-quality BBQ charcoal and alternative markets.

At the end of the course, we’ll supply written notes on the process should you decide to make your own charcoal after the course.

What you need to bring?

Work overalls, work gloves, strong boots, warm evening clothes - and a willingness to get dirty! Day 2 can be dusty when emptying the kiln so bring a good fitting dust mask.

You'll also need enough food and hot drinks to get you through the two days. Toilet facilities are limited.

CHARCOAL BURNING An Introduction will take place regardless of what the weather throws at us.