Step-by-Step Biodynamic Woodland Management

Step-by-Step Biodynamic Woodland Management is a practical introduction to caring for and working with small woodlands through biodynamic and traditional approaches.

Combining theory with hands-on learning, the course explores how thoughtful woodland management can support healthy, resilient and productive woods. Participants will develop practical skills using traditional hand tools while gaining an understanding of the woodland as a living, interconnected environment.

The six-day programme draws on Ruskin Mill's rich biodynamic training, Growing the Land, Growing People, bringing together practical activity, observation and an understanding of the relationships between soil, plants, animals, human beings and the wider natural world.

This course is ideal for:

• Woodland owners and smallholders wishing to care for small areas of woodland
• Gardeners, growers and land workers interested in woodland management
• People interested in biodynamic, regenerative and traditional approaches to land care
• Those wanting to develop practical woodland and hand-tool skills
• Anyone wishing to deepen their relationship with woodland and the natural world

No previous biodynamic or woodland management experience is required.

Participants will develop:

• An understanding of the principles and intentions of biodynamic woodland management
• Practical experience of traditional hands-on woodland management
• Skills in working with traditional hand tools
• An understanding of how to support resilient and productive woodland
• Greater awareness of the relationships between soil, plants, animals and human activity
• An introduction to understanding woodland within the wider biodynamic relationship between the earth and cosmos

The programme comprises six one-day Saturday sessions, held approximately once a month from November 2026 to April 2027.

2026–27 Sessions

Session 1 – Saturday 14 November 2026
Session 2 – Saturday 12 December 2026
Session 3 – Saturday 23 January 2027
Session 4 – Saturday 20 February 2027
Session 5 – Saturday 27 March 2027
Session 6 – Saturday 24 April 2027

Times: 9.30am–4pm

All sessions include a simple lunch.

The course is led by:

Chris Stott
Chris Helliwell
Rhys Townsend
Joe Moore

Total course cost: £180

The fee covers all six course days and includes a simple lunch.

This equates to £30 per day, offering an accessible introduction to practical biodynamic woodland management.

Places are limited and early booking is recommended. 

After completing the course, participants may wish to:

• Apply their learning within their own woodland or land-based setting
• Develop further practical woodland management skills
• Explore further biodynamic land-based training
• Volunteer or work within woodland, conservation or community land projects
• Continue developing their understanding of biodynamic approaches to land stewardship

For more about biodynamic work within Ruskin Mill Trust, visit: www.rmt.org