Wild Charcoal Day
The event includes building and firing scale-versions of traditional charcoal clamps, a ring kiln burn and charcoal art. With lunch.
The day draws on Pam and Francis Gimblett's 26-year experience of hosting fun, interactive event formats that bring activity, information and humour together.
The day begins with a forage for the materials with which to create scale-versions of a traditional charcoal clamp, the ancient vehicle for transforming wood into charcoal. After an introduction that brings to life the rich iron-making history of the area, you'll have all the skills you need to approach the task in groups.
In 2025 we used willow alone for the burn. The heady balm-like scent has prompted us to use a different wood for each clamp for our 2026 event, in order to create an orchestra of woodland perfume. We also expect each wood to react differently to the process, creating different pencil textures with which to create our woodland art pieces. We will have our resident artist on hand to guide anyone new to charcoal art, complete with templates to copy if desired.
As the event progresses, you'll partake in tastings of woodland cordials and shrubs, help to fill and light our ring kiln, and take part in other fun activities, as time allows.
The event includes a three course lunch, made largely from produce from the woodland and our farm. Refreshments and drinks are included.
"Wow! My wife and I have taken part in numerous workshops (charcoal making / basket making / cheese and bread making) with Pam, Francis and Amy and each has been unique, enriching and so much fun; all within the beautiful backdrop of the Wild Weald woodland. Each workshop has made the most of the changing seasons - and weather! - to make sure that participants have a day filled with new skills and also to educate us on how our ancestors used to live certain aspects of their lives.
I recommend Wild Weald highly! We've already booked our next workshop!"
Luke Hibbert, Google Review
The event includes building and firing scale-versions of traditional charcoal clamps, a ring kiln burn and charcoal art. With lunch.
The day draws on Pam and Francis Gimblett's 26-year experience of hosting fun, interactive event formats that bring activity, information and humour together.
The day begins with a forage for the materials with which to create scale-versions of a traditional charcoal clamp, the ancient vehicle for transforming wood into charcoal. After an introduction that brings to life the rich iron-making history of the area, you'll have all the skills you need to approach the task in groups.
In 2025 we used willow alone for the burn. The heady balm-like scent has prompted us to use a different wood for each clamp for our 2026 event, in order to create an orchestra of woodland perfume. We also expect each wood to react differently to the process, creating different pencil textures with which to create our woodland art pieces. We will have our resident artist on hand to guide anyone new to charcoal art, complete with templates to copy if desired.
As the event progresses, you'll partake in tastings of woodland cordials and shrubs, help to fill and light our ring kiln, and take part in other fun activities, as time allows.
The event includes a three course lunch, made largely from produce from the woodland and our farm. Refreshments and drinks are included.
"Wow! My wife and I have taken part in numerous workshops (charcoal making / basket making / cheese and bread making) with Pam, Francis and Amy and each has been unique, enriching and so much fun; all within the beautiful backdrop of the Wild Weald woodland. Each workshop has made the most of the changing seasons - and weather! - to make sure that participants have a day filled with new skills and also to educate us on how our ancestors used to live certain aspects of their lives.
I recommend Wild Weald highly! We've already booked our next workshop!"
Luke Hibbert, Google Review
Good to know
Highlights
- 7 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Wild Weald
Cinderford Lane
Hailsham BN27 4HL
How do you want to get there?
