FREE courses are on offer for commoners, farmers, landowners and anyone with an interest in woodland management in the New Forest and Avon Valley.

The New Forest Land Advice Service is providing four free training sessions in the new year to anyone interested in coppicing and pollarding, feasibility of wood fuel, equine nutrition and pasture management and hedge laying.

Julie Stubbs, land advice service manager, said: “These four courses are in response to discussions with farmers, commoners and landowners in the New Forest area. These are the skills they would like to build on and it is great to be able to offer them this opportunity.”

Practical coppicing and pollarding Wednesday, February 13, 1pm to 5pm Foxhills Infant School, Ashurst: Local expert Dave Dibden will be explaining the environmental, cultural and economic benefits of these traditional woodland and tree management techniques. Places are limited. To book your place email georgianna.watson@nflandadvice.org.uk or call 01590 646698.

Harvesting Energy – wood fuel conference Friday, February 22, 9:30am to 4pm, Lyndhurst Community Centre: This one day conference looks at the feasibility and economics of wood fuel production and looks at creating links between woodland owners, managers, land agents and the end user. Places are limited. To book your place email georgianna.watson@nflandadvice.org.uk or call 01590 646698.

Equine nutrition and pasture management – how to get the most out of your paddock Wednesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 27, Lyndhurst Community Centre: A two-part course designed in partnership with New Forest Equine Forum. The course is an opportunity to find out more about nutrition and pasture management. Speakers include a vet, an equine nutritionist and experts on paddock management. Places are limited. To book both days email rachael.bowen@newforestnpa.gov.uk or call 01590 646632.

Hedge laying Saturday, January 19 at Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu and Saturday, February 2: Expert hedge layer Andrew Birnie will be teaching and demonstrating hedge laying techniques using a range of hand tools. Places are limited. To book your place email rhys.morgan@nflandadvice.org.uk or call 01590 646688.

For more information about the Land Advice Service visit nflandadvice.org.uk