Last week, 16 local people successfully completed Hollybush Conservation Centre’s newest courses – Practical Woodland Skills and Woodwork Skills.

Designed to re-connect people with the natural world, these courses teach the value of forests and the skills needed to live in them and off them. Saleable products like chairs, benches and planters are made combining sustainable methods with modern techniques and equipment.

Financed by Leeds City Council and the European Social Fund, these courses are free to the unemployed. As well as teaching practical skills leading to further courses and employment they also boost personal confidence and encourage healthy lifestyles. Working outdoors has proven health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental health and combating obesity.

‘The best thing I’ve ever done,’ said Gary Cable after completing the Woodland Skills course. ‘I want to do an advanced course now,’ say many learners after the Woodwork course.  

Woodland Skills courses run for four Mondays. The next one starts on January 14th. Woodwork Skills runs for four Thursdays. The next one starts on January 24th. If you would like to enrol on one of the courses or find out how else you can support our volunteers, please contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Jess Kandola on 0113 274 2335 or j.kandola@tcv.org.uk.