Lime Bast Days
From standing tree to finished cordage and basketry.
Join Sally Pointer and Chiz Harward for a unique day in beautiful Gloucestershire woodlands helping with the lime bast harvest and learning and practicing all the stages from processing the bark to finished items. Places are strictly limited:
Our day begins with an introduction to the ancient coppice woodland in Gloucestershire that Chiz is currently renovating and a discussion of how lime bast fitted into the economy of early European societies, before we witness the felling of a mature lime tree (Tilia cordata or T. euoropea).
Working as a team we will peel the bark from the trunks ready for it to be bundled for retting over the next few months, a process that transforms it into valuable fibres.
After a lunch break around the campfire, we will use lime bast from last year’s harvest to create strong cordage, explore looped and twined basketry structures, and make bark containers with fresh bark from this year’s peel.
At the end of the day, you will take home your cordage and basketry, and are welcome to take some fresh bark for your own bast retting experiments at home.
Everyone will receive a copy of our newly published illustrated handbook packed with history, botany and information on all the processes covered during the day.
Your Tutors:
Chiz Harward is a coppice worker, charcoal burner and archaeologist. He manages woodlands for both biodiversity and sustainable, local products [link to FWCP].'
Sally Pointer is an archaeologist and heritage educator specialising in techniques that span thousands of years.
Useful information:
Froe Wood comprises 15 acres of ancient woodland in Blaisdon on the edge of the beautiful Forest of Dean near the Wye valley. It is easily accessible from the M5 via the A40
We will be working in this actively managed woodland and will continue in all but the most inclement weather. Don't worry though, there will be a fire and shelter! Wear strong shoes or boots, layered clothing and bring good gloves and waterproofs.
Access and parking will involve driving along forest tracks, but is fine for normal cars.
The kettle will be on throughout, and light snacks such as biscuits and a bread-and-soup lunch will be provided, but bring extra food if you think you may need it
There is no running water onsite and the facilities include a composting loo
Processed bast and other coppice products will also be available for purchase.
Booking Information:
Available Dates: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026 10-4 (same programme on each day)
10 places maximum per day. Cost per person £150 to include all materials and refreshments.
Book through this link here. Full joining details will be provided a little closer to the date.
Refunds and contingency details: Full refund if cancelled within 14 days of course or if course tutors cancel due to extreme weather. Half refund if 13-7 days beforehand,. Refunds subject to a £5 cancellation fee towards bank charges unless instigated by tutors. None if less than 7 days.