VISITS to some of Devon’s finest woodlands, including the Clinton Devon, Perridge and Great Fulford estates, will take place at this year’s Woodland Heritage Field Weekend.

With the first day of the weekend including a visit to Hooke Park in West Dorset to talk both timber construction techniques and woodland management, June 11–13 looks to offer three stimulating days for novice and experienced forester alike, the charity said.

Woodland Heritage administrator Kelly Morss commented: “Woodland Heritage is delighted to welcome new members at any time of year and has a good-value membership offer, but with preference going to members to be allocated spaces at the Field Weekend each year, it’s a good time to spring into action and join to support a charity that is doing so much to help the timber supply chain.”

This year will also see the launch of a new grant scheme aimed at helping forestry students to attend the Field Weekend. With travel and overnight costs always a challenge, the new fund is intended to help new entrants to the industry pick up some invaluable first-hand advice.

The Woodland Heritage Field Weekend starts on 11 June at John Makepeace’s home in West Dorset, where the internationally acclaimed designer and furniture maker will talk about how he designed and made some of the pieces he will have on show. That afternoon, the teaching and experimental timber construction campus that John established in 1983 at Hooke Park will showcase its latest developments.

Now run by the Architectural Association, Hooke Park acts as a way for trainee architects from around the world to get to grips with both forestry and using timber in buildings.

Guided tours of both the Perridge and Great Fulford estate woodlands are planned for 12 June, with the forestry learning continuing on 13 June at Clinton Devon woodlands, courtesy of Lord Clinton and led by John Wilding.