Planting and Managing a Woodland

On Saturday, 12 September 2026, Stanmer Park will host a one-day intensive course titled Planting and Managing a Woodland. Based at The Fruit Factory, this session is organised by the Brighton Permaculture Trust and focuses on the practicalities of establishing and maintaining healthy, regenerative wooded areas. The programme is designed to take participants through the entire lifecycle of a woodland project, starting with the initial planning and the selection of appropriate species, and moving into the long-term strategies required to support local biodiversity and ensure the trees thrive over several decades.

The training is conducted entirely outdoors and includes a walk of approximately 1.5 miles, allowing for a direct look at the environment. Instructors Andy Reynolds and Fran Pickering lead the group through the technical aspects of forestry management. This includes practical topics such as soil nutrition, pest control, and the process of thinning out growth to allow the healthiest trees to flourish. They also cover the legal requirements and administrative aspects that are necessary for the long-term success of any woodland project, providing a realistic view of what is involved in land stewardship.

The course runs from 10:30 to 16:30 and is aimed at both beginners and those with some prior experience who want to deepen their technical knowledge. Because of the specific focus on permaculture and the physical nature of the day, it is generally suited for adults or young people rather than being a standard family outing. The pricing is structured on a sliding scale according to income; the standard or concessionary rate is £70.00, while the fee for organisations or individuals earning over £25,000 per year is £175.00. The meeting point at The Fruit Factory (postcode BN1 9PZ) puts the session right in the heart of the park’s managed landscape.