The Forestry Commission is to stage a six-day timber framing course at the National Arboretum in Westonbirt, Gloucestershire, where participants will build a traditional oak barn.
The five-metre tall structure will be built within the ancient Silk Wood using local and sustainably sourced materials, including the oak frame and 3,000 sweet chestnut and oak shingles for the roof.
The September course will be led by timber frame expert Henry Russell, and includes camping on-site and guided tours of the arboretum.
“Silk Wood Barn will be a stunning natural building, perfectly at home in the ancient woodland at Westonbirt Arboretum,” said curator Simon Toomer.
“Here, we can not only train people in valuable woodland skills but also demonstrate the growing importance of managing our woodlands and so conserving their amazing biodiversity.”
The course takes place September 1-6 priced from £240. More information is available at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.
