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CONTENTS
WORKING WOODLANDS
 The
woodlands of Cumbria have not always presented the tranquil
scene they do today. Less than 100 years ago, these woodlands
constituted a 'factory floor' where trees were felled and
their wood converted to various products. Coppiced wood, in
particular, found many uses - for bobbins, barrel hoops, baskets,
tool handles, etc - with much converted to charcoal.
The production of charcoal was key to the growth of many
other industries from small scale bloomeries and potash kilns
to large-scale blast furnaces and gunpowder works.
Evidence for these industrial processes is abundant throughout
Cumbria - a legacy to the importance of coppice woodlands
in providing the raw materials for their operation over many
centuries.
COPPICE CRAFTS
Charcoal
Coppice poles (13-18 cm wide) were cut during the winter
months for burning the following summer and autumn. The poles
were cut into 3 ft (1 metre) lengths called 'shanklings' and
built up in a stack around a central pole called a motty peg.
The stack was covered with soil and turves to minimise draughts.
When complete, the motty peg was removed and burning embers
dropped inside. The open hole was sealed with turf, and the
burning process carefully watched and controlled over several
days. Any flames were quickly doused and the colour of the
smoke monitored to ensure the burn was progressing well. After
several days, by which time the stack had shrunk to a third
of its former size, it was opened up, 'sayed' (doused) with
water and the charcoal sorted and gathered into sacks. The
pitstead (or hearth) was then levelled in readiness for building
the next stack. Charcoal is still made in Cumbria's coppiced
woods using purpose-built metal kilns.
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At the edge of the wood, not far
from a smoking mound, there was a hut shaped like a
round tent, but made not of canvas but of larch poles
set up on end and all sloping together so that the longest
poles crossed each other at the top. On the side of
it nearest to the mound there was a doorway covered
with a hanging flap made of an old sack.
Inside… on each side of the hut a stout log divided
off a place where there were rugs and blankets. Between
the two there was an open space, where it looked as
if there had been a small fire. The open light came
through the doorhole. Not a speck of light came from
between the poles of which the wigwam was made. Every
chink had been well stuffed with moss. Over head there
hung a lantern…
'Do you live here always?' said Susan.
'While we're burning' replied the old man.
'While you're burning the charcoal?' said Susan.
'Aye', said the old man,' Someone has to be with fire
night and day, to keep him down like'.
'Swallows and Amazons',
ARTHUR RANSOME, 1930
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Bobbins
The cotton mills of Lancashire needed huge quantities of
wooden bobbins as spools for cotton thread. Most of these
were made in the bobbin mills of Cumbria. Poles of coppiced
birch, the most commonly used wood, were cut into sections
('blocking out') then passed through a drying kiln. Holes
were bored (or 'wrinced') and the reels finished on a lathe
at a rate of 1,200 to 2,700 an hour. The bobbins were then
dyed or waxed.
In the mid 19th century, Cumbria supplied about 50% of the
bobbins for the cotton mills. As new synthetic materials were
invented, the demand gradually declined. Today, Stott Park
Bobbin Mill, near Newby Bridge, is the only bobbin mill with
working machinery left in the country.
Swill Baskets
 Swill
baskets were once part of everyday life, being used for coal
mining, farming, peat cutting, charcoal making, bobbin milling
and general use in the home. Coppice grown oak was split into
thin sections and woven to make the basket, with a bent hazel
rod forming the rim. Owen Jones of High Nibthwaite still
makes traditional swill baskets using locally grown oak.
Tan Barking
Oak bark, rich in tannic acid, was used to tan and preserve
animal skins. During late spring/early summer (when the sap
was rising), the bark was stripped from young oak trees. After
being dried, it was sent to a tannery to be steeped in water
to release the tannin. Animal skins were soaked in the solution
for between 4 and 12 months. In the 19th century, chemicals
largely replaced oak bark. However, coppiced oak bark is still
used to produce specialised leathers for bookbinding and saddlery.
The old tannery at Rusland has been partly restored, and
has information panels on the tanning process.
Besoms
Traditional besoms ('witches' brooms) are still made locally
using seasoned birch twigs bound with strips of elm bark,
willow or wire. The tapered point of the handle is driven
into the head and often secured with a nail.
Barrels
From the Middle Ages onwards, barrels were the standard means
of packaging. The 'slack' cooper made barrels for dry items
such as flour, tobacco, fruit, vegetables and crockery. The
barrels were held together with hoops made from coppiced hazel.
Over 4000 wooden barrels were supplied to the gunpowder mills
every week. One mill at Low Gatebeck near Kendal employed
40 coopers, 12 hoopers and several sawyers at the peaks of
its production.
Clog Soles
Clog soles were made from the greenwood of alder, sycamore,
birch or beech. The logs were roughly shaped with a side-axe,
pared down with a stock knife to form the shape of the sole
and heel before being air dried. The soles were finished by
clog makers who would fine-pare the shape and add the leather
uppers. Traditional wooden clogs are still made by J Strong
& Son at Caldbeck.
 Hurdles
Woven wattle hurdles are usually made from the split rods
of coppiced hazel, interwoven between upright poles. The 'gate'
hurdle has 5 to 7 rails with three uprights and two diagonal
braces. Both types were originally used by farmers to form
enclosures.
Turning
Traditional pole lathes were used to make a variety of domestic
goods, such as bowls, chair legs, spindles and decorative
features such as newel posts.
Handles
Straight handles for tools and curved handles for scythes
were everyday products. Ash was preferred because of its strength
and flexibility. Traditional hay rakes are still made in
Cumbria by John and Graham Rudd at their workshop in Dufton.
WOODLAND LIVELIHOODS
The woodland industries of Cumbria were a hugely important
part of the rural economy for centuries, and first recorded
in a woodland survey made for Furness Abbey in 1537.
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'there ys another yerely profytte commyng and growing
of the said Woodes, called Grenehewe, Bastyng, Blecking,
byndyng, making of sadeltrees, cartwheels, cuppes and
dishes and many other things wrought by Cowpers and
Turners, with making of Coles, and pannage of Hogges.'
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Grenehewe - lopping of branches for animal feed during
the winter
Bastyng - manufacture of coarse matting from bark peelings
Blecking - bark bleaching, drying or burning for potash
to make soap
Byndyng - making of swill baskets and hoops
Sadeltrees - frames for fitting on pack-horses
Cowpers - barrel makers
Turners - makers of turned items on a pole-lathe
Coles - charcoal
Pannage - the right to turn pigs (hogges) into woodland
for feeding
DEMANDS FOR CHARCOAL
Woodlands were under constant pressure to provide charcoal.
Huge quantities were required for the smelting of iron and
other ores - one ton of charcoal was needed to smelt a 6-cwt
(270 kg) 'bloom' of wrought iron in a woodland bloomery.
The 18th century development of large blast furnaces in the
Furness and Keswick areas and the extension of copper mining
near Coniston demanded more wood and charcoal. In 1711, the
Backbarrow Iron Company was set up and became the most highly
organised and profitable iron firm in the North of England.
By 1715 the company was drawing charcoal supplies from an
area of over 150 square miles.
The establishment of gunpowder works in the mid 18th century
put additional strain on existing charcoal production. Gunpowder
was needed for local mining and quarrying operations and for
export. Several gunpowder mills were in operation from 1764
to the early 1930s.
COPPICING - RENEWING THE RESOURCE
The introduction of coppicing in the 16th century provided
a self-renewing supply of timber, without the need to clearfell
woodlands. When the trunks of ash, oak, alder, birch and hazel
are felled near ground level, new shoots will grow around
the cut surface. Over a period of time, the shoots become
long poles, which are then harvested after 12 to 20 years.
 Woodlands
are divided into 'coupes'. Each coupe is cut and harvested
in rotation, ensuring a continuous and renewable supply of
wood; one acre of coppice providing between 8,000 and 10,000
poles. Coppice cutting takes place between November and April
once the poles have reached the required size. The cut stumps
or 'stools' are left to produce new shoots, which will be
harvested in the next cutting cycle. A few oaks, known as
'standards', are left uncut to provide a source of timber
for furniture or building construction.
Coppiced wood was used to make hoops for barrels, tool handles,
bobbins and turned items and much was converted to charcoal
and potash. Nothing was wasted - even the twigs were used
to make besoms. By the early 19th century, coppicing was more
profitable than sheep farming, particularly in marginal areas.
However, by the late 19th century, economic forces were exerting
their influences on Cumbria's coppice woodlands. The demand
for bobbins and other woodland crafts gradually declined,
and coke replaced charcoal for iron smelting. There was less
need for coppiced wood and many coppices were left unmanaged
to revert to a more naturalised state.
COPPICE REVIVAL
 
Coppice wood products are slowly making a come-back through
a small number of coppice workers. There is a healthy demand
for charcoal (for barbeques), hazel wattles, wooden handles
for gardening and other implements, as well as recognition
of coppice woodland as a habitat resource. Organisations such
as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust, the National
Trust and private landowners are also increasingly using coppice
workers to manage their woods for conservation reasons.
WOODLAND WORKERS
(Coppice Association members working in Cumbria)
Owen Jones
(swill basket maker, plaster laths, gate hurdles, talks, demonstrations
and courses)
Spout Meadow, High Nibthwaite, Ulverston, LA12 8DF
Tel: 01229 885664.
Brian and Louise Crawley
('Woodland Ways' - coppice products, charcoal)
Tel: 01229 583467. Mobile: 077210 07379.
Walter Lloyd
(charcoal consultancy, community yurts, snigging with ponies)
Lakeland Willows, Fairview Lane, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Ulverston,
LA12 8NS
Tel: 07740 053794.
Phil Curry
(coppice restoration and management, charcoal maker, pony
snigging)
Tel: 07979 274656.
Email: info@philcurry.co.uk.
Website: www.philcurry.co.uk
Rebecca Oaks
(coppice merchant, charcoal, firewood, hurdles, besoms, talks,
demonstrations, courses and consultancy). Visits by pre-arrangement.
93 Silverdale Road, Yealand Redmayne, Carnforth, LA5 9TD
Tel: 01524 781375.
Sue Swatridge
(coppice worker, charcoal, furniture, pole lathe workshops,
demonstrations)
107 North Road, Carnforth, LA5 9LX
Tel: 07771 644565.
Email: against.thegrain@fsmail.net
Ian Taylor
('Lakeland Coppice Products' - charcoal maker, oak fencing,
hewn beams)
'Ramree', Brigsteer Road, Kendal, LA9 5DY
Tel: 01539 738835; Mobile: 07813 696161
Email: ian@lakelandcoppiceproducts.co.uk.
Website: www.lakelandcoppiceproducts.co.uk
Saul Blenkarn
(fences, gates, garden structures, coppice management, demonstrations,
training)
Tel: 01539 729526.
Mobile: 07818 452322.
James Mitchell
('Woodland Pioneer' - coppice craftsman, teaching and demonstrations)
No 6 Yard, 119 Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4EN
Tel: 01539 733110.
Mobile: 07743 314069.
Charles and Shirley Stewart
(charcoal, coppicing)
15 Croft Avenue, Penrith, CA11 7RG
Tel: 01768 891895.
Mobile: 07713 627455.
Charlie Miles
(coppice products, tool care)
Stoneraise Farm, Westward, Wigton, CA7 8LY
Tel: 016973 43894.
Edward Acland and Romola Stringer
(greenwood workshop and coppice woodland open to the public
by prior arrangement)
Sprint Mill, Burneside, Kendal, LA8 9AQ
Tel: 01539 725168.
WOODLAND COURSES & EVENTS
Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT)
Coppice apprenticeship scheme covering all aspects of coppicing
and coppice crafts over 3 years. Apprentices are mentored
through their training. By the end of the course, participants
will have the knowledge, skills and contacts to become self-employed
coppice workers. Students must first attend 'Woodland Pioneers'
- a week-long introduction to coppice management and skills.
For more details, contact: BHMAT, c/o 93 Silverdale Road,
Yealand Redmayne, Carnforth, Lancs, LA5 9TD. Tel: 01524 781375.
Email: info@coppiceapprentice.org.uk.
Website: www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk
Weekend in the Woods
Woodland-based crafts and demonstrations held annually on
the 3rd weekend of August. Pre-booking required. Details from
the Coppice Association.
Woodland Weekend
Demonstrations of woodland crafts at Stott Park Bobbin Mill
and guided tours of the mill. Held annually on the first weekend
in October.
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Bill Hogarth MBE 1929-1999
Bill Hogarth was a coppice merchant
from Cumbria. He learnt his trade from his father and
spent 56 years working in coppice woodlands. Bill's
ability lay in his skill to enter a wood and identify
the potential products obtainable from the trees, and
to swiftly and efficiently convert them to marketable
produce.
The Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship
Trust (BHMAT) ensures his coppicing skills are recognised
and continued today.
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COPPICE WOODLANDS
There are many woods in Cumbria that are actively managed
as coppice, although some are in private ownership. The following
woodlands all have public access and explanatory information.
1. Howe Ridding Wood Nature Reserve, Whitbarrow (SD 435882).
Coppice woodland managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) as
rare butterfly habitat. Limited parking south of North Lodge
with access via a public footpath. Leaflet from CWT.
2. Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood, Staveley (SD 480983).
Nature reserve comprising three woods (Dorothy Farrer's, High
Wood and Beddard's Wood), all of which are being coppiced
for conservation. Leaflet from CWT.
3. Moss and Height Spring Woods, Colton, nr Ulverston
(SD 324863).
Ancient semi-natural woodlands owned by the Woodland Trust.
Height Spring was formerly coppiced by Bill Hogarth and is
still in coppice rotation today. Timber extracted by horse
(snigging). Demonstrations of charcoal burning and coppicing
arranged for a small fee. Contact Brian and Louise Crawley
- see Woodland Workers.
4. Cumbria Grand Hotel woodlands, Grange-over-Sands (SD
417786).
Ancient semi-natural coppice woodland. Coppicing restarted
3 years ago, with production of charcoal on site and other
woodland crafts. Guided walks available. Adjacent to the Brown
Robin Nature Reserve (CWT), part of which is also coppiced.
Telephone 015395 32331 (Tony Saunders) for details.
5. Brantwood, Coniston (SD 313958).
John Ruskin's former home is surrounded by extensive ancient
woodlands, some of which are being worked again as coppice,
providing wood for charcoal, besoms, walking sticks and other
items. Tel: 015394 41396.
6. Roudsea Wood, Haverthwaite (SD 330827).
Extensive coppice woodland, managed primarily for dormice
conservation. Permit required and leaflet available (contact
English Nature on 015395 31604).
PLACES TO VISIT
7. Lakeland's Woodland Heritage Exhibition
George Barker & Sons, Backbarrow, nr Ulverston, Cumbria,
LA12 8TA
Tel: 015395 31236
Discover the fascinating story of coppicing and the traditional
woodland industries.
8. Rusland Tannery (LDNPA), Rusland
Part restored with information on the tanning processl.
9. Duddon Furnace (LDNPA), Broughton-in-Furness
Remains of a substantial iron smelting works. Information
panel on site.
10. Stott Park Bobbin Mill
Low Stott Park, Finsthwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8AZ
Tel: 01539 531087 for opening times.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
The only bobbin mill with working machinery in the country.
WOODLAND SURNAMES
Barker: Removed tree bark for use in tanning and
matting.
Turner: Used a pole lathe to make turned items.
Woodburn/Ashburner: Produced ash for making soap.
Cowper/Cooper/Tubman: Made wooden barrels
Collier: Made charcoal
Tanner: Tanned leather using oak bark
Bloomer/Blumer: Smelted iron
Hooper: Made hoops for barrels
WOOD PROPERTIES
| ASH |
Tough, long grained,
flexible & resilient |
Carts, handles, wheels,
oars |
| ALDER |
Tough, light, withstands
water |
Charcoal, bowls, platters,
clog soles |
| BIRCH |
Easily bent |
Ploughs, gates, fences,
barrel
staves, besoms |
| HAZEL |
Slender and pliant |
Basketry, hurdles, thatching
spars |
| OAK |
Strong and durable |
Furniture, wheels, houses,
baskets,
bark for tanning |
| HOLLY |
Dense and close grained |
Shuttles, flails, bowls
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Coppice Association North West
Cumbria Woodlands
Lower Mill House
Staveley Mill Yard, Staveley
Kendal, LA8 9LS
Tel: 01593 822140
Email: info@cumbriawoodlands.co.uk
Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT)
Plumgarths
Crook Road
Kendal, LA8 8LX
Tel: 01539 816300
Email: mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Website: www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
English Nature
Juniper House
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal, LA9 7RL
Tel: 01539 792800
Email: cumbria@english-nature.org.uk
Website: www.english-nature.org.uk
National Trust
The Hollens
Grasmere
Ambleside
LA22 9BR
Tel: 015394 35599
Email: hollens.recep@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Woodland Trust
Autumn Park
Dysart Road
Grantham
Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL
Tel: 01476 581111
Email: woodlandoperations@woodland-trust.org.uk
Website: www.woodland-trust.org.uk
Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA)
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal, LA9 7RL
Tel: 01539 724555
Email: hq@lake-district.gov.uk
Website: www.lake-district.gov.uk
Explore the woodland heritage of the Haverthwaite-Stott
Park area at first hand. A new leaflet - Greenwood Trails
- provides 4 walking trails looking at coppicing and its associated
industries. Available from local Tourist Information Centres
and visitor attractions.
GETTING AROUND
For details on public transport, please contact Traveline
on 08700 608 2608.
Email: info@traveline-cumbria.co.uk.
Website: www.traveline.org.uk.
CREDITS
Produced by Anna Gray at Voluntary Action Cumbria for LEADER+
(Cumbria Fells & Dales)
Text by David Sorrell & Anna Gray
Designed by Andrew Lathwell Design Ltd.
Printed by Reeds of Penrith, 2005.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
G. Barker & Sons, Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Cartmel Fell
& District Local History Society, Janet Martin, Patrick
Payne, Alan Shepley, The Woodland Trust and BHMAT
Extract from 'Swallows and Amazons' by Arthur Ransome, published
by Jonathan Cape. Used by permission of The Random House Group
Ltd.
LEADER+ (Cumbria Fells & Dales)
The Old Stables,
Redhills,
Penrith,
Cumbria,
CA11 0DT
Tel: 01768 869533
Email: info@fellsanddales.org.uk
Website: www.fellsanddales.org.uk
Fells and Dales LEADER+ Programme is based at Voluntary Action
Cumbria, a company limited by guarantee, Charity No. 1080875,
Companyh No. 3957858.
This is one of a series of themed trails being produced
by LEADER+ (Cumbria Fells & Dales) to promote the area
and its local products.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the content
of this trail is accurate and up to date at the time of writing,
no liability can be accepted for any errors, omissions or
misrepresentations of fact contained herein.
 
This project is being part financed by the European Agriculture
Guidance adn Guarantee Fund of the European Union and the
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs through
the Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER+ Programme.
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