FREE woodland management courses are available to commoners, farmers and landowners in the New Forest and Avon Valley over the next two months.

The New Forest Land Advice Service is providing four training sessions this month and next for anyone interested in coppicing and pollarding, feasibility of wood fuel, equine nutrition, 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.”

* The practical coppicing and pollarding course will be held on Wednesday, February 13 from 1 to 5pm at Foxhills Infant School, Ashurst, when local expert Dave Dibden will be explaining the environmental, cultural and economic benefits of these traditional woodland and tree management techniques.

To book a 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 takes place on Wednesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 27 at Lyndhurst Community Centre. This is a two-part course designed in partnership with New Forest Equine Forum and is an opportunity to find out more about nutrition and pasture management. Speakers will include a vet, an equine nutritionist and experts on paddock management.

To book either day email rachael.bowen@newforestnpa.gov.uk or call 01590 646632.

* A one-day wood fuel conference on harvesting energy will take place on Friday, February 22, from 9.30am-4pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre. This will look at the feasibility and economics of wood fuel production and how to create links between woodland owners, managers, land agents and end users.

To book a place email georgianna.watson@nflandadvice.org.uk or call 01590 646698.

* On Saturday, January 19 and Saturday, February 2 a hedge-laying course will be held at Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu, when expert hedge layer Andrew Birnie will teach and demonstrate hedge-laying techniques using a range of hand tools.

To book email rhys.morgan@nflandadvice.org.uk or call 01590 646688.

In all cases places are limited, so booking is essential.

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