What's On
Look out for courses in the New Year 2010: The new training booklet will be ready shortly...
Get Looking: 17th February 2010
A one day session aimed at parents and children on how to recognise what habitat and wildlife species are important and how you can help ReCord record them. Experts on birds, dragonflies, trees and wildflowers will be on hand to give identification tips.
Venue: Tattenhall Outdoor Education Centre
Booking: Required Contact: Cheshire FWAG 01270 627938
Charcoal Making & Woodland Craft Skills: 26,27,28 February 2010
Based at the Norley Rural Skills Centre, you will learn woodland craft skills, how to set up a charcoal burner, how to select appropriate wood for the process and prepare it for charcoal burning.
Venue: Norely Rural Skills CentreBooking:
Required (visit www.btcv.org.uk) Northern-Training@btcv,org,uk 01772 204651
Practical Dry stone Walling: 11th and 12th March
Join Project Officer, Colin Slater for a 1 or 2 day’s practical dry stone walling at Castlehill Farm, Kelsall. Volunteers will be able to try their hand at this ancient craft rebuilding and restoring a sandstone wall whilst enjoying fabulous views of Cheshire’s Ridge and across the Plain.
Venue: Kelsall
Booking: RequiredContact: Colin Slater, colin.slater@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 01244 973387
a further course will be running on the 25th & 26th March
Willow Weaving: 6th - 9th April
Back by popular demand; join Sarah Gallagher for an opportunity to learn Willow Sculpture techniques within the grounds of Beeston Castle. Trainees will have the chance to create a dragon, knight on a horse and various other animals and suitable swords and helmets to create a lasting display at Beeston. A celebration event will round up the week of weaving which will not only involve refreshments but a chance to listen to Cheshire Story Teller, the Journey Man. Participants for the course should be 12 years old and over.
Venue: Beeston Castle
Booking: Required
Contact: Harthill Arts Trust – Chris Gilbert chris@harthill.org.uk or Mandy 01829 782822
Step Construction Level 1- Timber Steps
This course will teach you how to identify, select and care for the tools and equipment used in step construction. Carry out any site preparation and construct steps. The course will take place within one of the management zones of the Habitats and Hillforts project area.
Date: 15th & 16th April 2010
Venue: TBC Booking: Required (visit www.btcv.org.uk) Contact: Northern-Training@btcv,org,uk 01772 204651
Training Excavation at Helsby: Spring 2010
A two week archaeological excavation will be undertaken on Helsby Hill in the Spring of 2010 but dates are still to be confirmed and will be posted on our website. The aim is to revisit excavations undertaken in the 1950’s and 60’s in order to recover samples of charred wood for radio carbon dating and use these to establish when the ramparts were constructed. The programme of work will be structured as a series of 1 week courses offering people basic instruction in all aspects of archaeological excavation and recording.
Booking: Required
Contact: Dan Garner dan.garner@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Whats been on.....
Fungal Foray
Join local enthusiast 'Fungalpunk Dave' on Wednesday 23rd September to explore the fascinating world of fungi at two of Cheshire's best sites. This course is run by the Habitats and Hillforts Training Group member FWAG. More information.
Diversification of Traditional Farm Buildings
An opportunity to tour a selection of tradictional buildings within the Sandstone Ridge area of Cheshire. Join FWAG and other experts to talk diversification. This course is run by the Habitats and Hillforts Training Group member FWAG Wednesday 16th September. More Information.
Archaeology Training
Excavating at Woodhouse - An archaeological excavation was undertaken at Woodhouse Hill between the 6th - 31st July 2009.
The aim will be to explore the evidence for why, when and how the hillfort was constructed. This will provide a training opportunity for everyone, including students and local volunteers. The excavation will also be able to inform future management of the monument. The training programme will be structured as a series of 1 week courses offering people basic instruction in all aspects of archaeological excavation and recording - booking essential (contact Dan Garner)
Habitat works during winter 2008/2009
There has been lots going on this winter in order to catch the first season of the project. If you would like any information about something you have seen out on the ridge contact project officer Colin Slater for details.
The Archaeology Volunteers Scheme