James Dyson

• Coppice Restoration & Management
• Coppice Management Workshops
• Hedge laying
• Training and Tuition
• Willow and Bark Baskets
• Demonstrations
• Firewood
• Beanpole & Pea Sticks
• Woodland shelter construction
• Garden Gates & Hurdles
• Living Willow Structures
• Straw Bale Construction
• Flower Sticks & Stakes

I have spent my working life in land management starting in gardening and gradually increasing my time spent working with trees. I came to Devon in 2007 seeking further experience in Woodland management and rural craft. I was lucky to gain a place on Devon Rural Skills Trust’s trainee programme through which I practised hedge steeping and basketry. I have taught basketry and coppice crafts and feel the practice of craft is paramount as practical creativity is a large part of what makes us feel human.

I spent four years working up a coppice cycle on a Hazel planting at Dartington Estate. I have since realised the obstacles to coppicing in general and in Devon particularly. Namely most coppice is totally neglected and needs much continuous work to bring it into production and Devon has little ‘coppice culture’ so educating the public as to what it is about is a necessity. I see the need for training and cooperative working to help create more areas of sustainably managed woodlands and the Devon Coppice and Smallwood’s Group can do much to raise awareness, create standards and help build local markets.

I have gained experience of working for community organisations having been a Director of South Brent Community Land Trust(SBCLT)- a project seeking to build affordable houses for local people and Sustainable South Brent (SSB)- an environmental group which has initiated various environmental projects such as a Community Composting Centre and a Community Energy Company. In 2008 we started the Hedges and Woodland group, a community group which carries out coppicing and hedge steeping.

The experience of working in these groups led me to get involved with relaunching the Devon Coppice group and I offer myself to stand as Chairman to continue working to build DCSG to enable it to become a valued member-led voice in Devon Woodland Management and Craft Sectors.