1 August 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

MATT Pitts, The High Weald AONB’s woodland officer, is available to visit privately-owned woodland to tell owners about its history and management.

Anyone who would like a free visit and advice can telephone Matt on 01580 879959 or email him at matt@highweald.info.

Alternatively visit www.highweald.org/livingwoods for more details.

Meanwhile Damian Goodburn, one of Britain’s leading specialists in ancient woodworking, is demonstrating some of his skills on YouTube.

Archaeologists are gaining a fascinating insight into past woodland management and carpentry techniques, based on the evidence of ancient worked timber which is constantly being found all over the UK.

Evidence comes from the excavation of archaeological sites, in particular where the wood is waterlogged, and from extant historic buildings.

Damian, who has spent a lot of time testing replicas of old tools, including axes made of flint, bronze and iron, says ‘every tool leaves telltale marks in the wood’.

He has used reconstruction archaeology to compare his woodworking marks to those left behind in ancient timbers, and his fascinating talk on the subject is now available on line at www.youtube.com/highwealdaonb.

It in, Damian talks about the evidence for ancient woodworking techniques, demonstrates a variety of axes, including ones made of flint, bronze and iron, and hews oak using traditional medieval tools.