Charcoal Burning Courses

With Jim Bettle

We run regular courses teaching the complete process of how to produce charcoal using a Ring Kiln and a 40 Gallon Oil Drum

Charcoal Courses

Learn the Art of Charcoal Burning with Jim Bettle

Spend an educational day with Jim Bettle of the Dorset Charcoal Company, to learn about the complete process of charcoal production. Including Emptying, filling and firing of a large kiln, also small scale charcoal production using a 40 gallon drum. In addition valuable insights are shared into establishing a successful charcoal business in the UK.

We hold regular classes which are held at our Living Classroom in Bonsley Wood and are priced at £100 for the day. A deposit of 50% is required on booking, refundable up to 7 days prior to the course.

You'll need safety boots and some old clothes as you will get really, really dirty! Also bring a packed lunch and a good sized drink as we will be in the woods all day. You will leave with some charcoal!

These course days are weather dependent as we need dry weather in the morning to facilitate kiln emptying, should the weather not be suitable an alternative date will be arranged to suit attendees.

We also offer bespoke courses that are tailored to your suit individuals requirements. For more details and booking please contact us:

Telephone: 01258 818 176

Email: enquiries@dorsetcharcoal.co.uk

Jim Bettle weearing black hat with sunshine on his face

Training Terms & Conditions

The Dorset Charcoal Company reserves the right to refuse to educate individuals on the following grounds: The Dorset Charcoal Company is committed to the production of charcoal from sustainable forestry practices and in reducing the amount of imported charcoal by providing a British produced alternative to those currently imported. To this end no training will be given to individuals who seek to produce charcoal abroad with the knowledge gained, where evidence of sustainable forestry cannot be shown for any wood used in production and assurances of non UK/ European markets for said charcoal cannot be given.

Education

Teaching Children About Charcoal

The Dorset Charcoal Company offers school groups the chance to visit the woods to learn about the process of charcoal production and experience the pleasure of being creative with the charcoal produced. Shown are photos from a hosted visit from Hanford School for Girls art department, who enjoyed an educational morning of charcoal making and drawing with the produced charcoal.

For more details and booking please contact us:

Telephone: 01258 818 176

Email: enquiries@dorsetcharcoal.co.uk

Customer Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Jim Bettle’s charcoal course was so utterly inspiring. I had no experience of anything about charcoal at the time although I had always thought it would be interesting and fun. The straight-forward way he taught through opportunities to learn by ‘hands on’ experience, suited me well. That day in the woods was one of the happiest times… in large part due to Jim’s enthusiastic and practical attitude. He has a great sense of humour, spared us all time to ask questions and try things out and I came away with the confidence to know that it would not be long before I was going to be charcoal making. Since then I have continued to learn about it and am now charcoal burning almost all year round at a local Nature Reserve and selling our great product at our local Farmer’s Market. What a ‘result’ and all thanks to Jim’s passion and skills as a woodland craftsman, an inspiring teacher and his lovely sense of humour. Thank you Jim! ”