Bill Hogarth
Our Purpose is to ensure that the coppicing skills of Bill Hogarth MBE are recognised for their full worth and their continuity secured through a broad-based apprenticeship.
BHMAT is always interested in finding new sponsors. If you are involved in the coppice industry and would like to talk to someone about becoming a sponsor, or would like to become more involved with the Trust, please get in touch using the contact page.

Woodland Pioneers: Introduction to Coppicing Course

Dates for 2024 are...

Monday 26th – Friday 30th August 2024

Silverdale AONB, Lancashire

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See photos from 2022...

See photos from 2021...

See photos from previous years...

Scroll down to watch a short video about Woodland Pioneers.

Coppice Conversations

Coppice Association North West commissioned this fantastic series of podcasts with local coppice workers in the North West to celebrate National Coppice week 2019. A wonderful set of interesting stories unwinds through interviews by the talented Clare Dyson. Follow the links to listen to Coppice Conversations with Twiggy, Jack Holden, Sam Ansell, Lorna Singleton and Jo and Daryll.

Walter Lloyd - Loss of a Legend

We're very sorry to announce the death of local legend Walter Lloyd. He was a good friend of Bill Hogarth's and was involved with setting up BHMAT right from the start. He's been an inspiration to many, always ready to share his vast knowledge and wonderful stories. He will be very much missed by a huge number of people. We send thoughts and love to his family.

Below is a video filmed in 2016 of Walter demonstrating natural rope making at our Woodland Pioneers course.

Woodland Pioneers Video

WOODLAND PIONEERS from CHRIS MAUDSLEY on Vimeo.

In 2016 we were very lucky to have award winning videographer Chris Maudsley filming Woodland Pioneers. Watch his beautiful film below which has been shortlisted for a Canon-sponsored video competition, entitled "World Wood Day" and will be screened at Long Beach, Los Angeles, in March 2017. We think it's wonderful and wish him all the best!

The BHMAT Apprenticeship Scheme

The scheme is a three year Diploma course. BHMAT takes on two or three apprentices each year. The apprentices are based with a coppice business and receive specialist training in all aspects of the coppice industry. Each apprentice receives a small bursary of £3000 pa plus they can receive recompense for work within their placement. Assessment is based on practical skills and a percentage of written coursework. Successful apprentices are awarded the Bill Hogarth Coppice Diploma and are fully equipped at the end of three years to set up their own coppice business.

To be eligible to apply to either the BHMAT scheme (specific to the North of England) or the National Coppice Apprenticeship Scheme (NCAS) run through the Green Wood Centre (also based on the BHMAT model but now running nationally) applicants must have attended a Woodland Pioneers week course with either BHMAT (see above) or NCAS.

The "Bill Hogarth MBE Coppice Merchant" Book
The book Bill was writing when he died in 1999, edited by Alan Shepley and published by Wood Education Programme Trust, is available from BHMAT for £6.50 (P&P: £2 within UK mainland, £9 for elsewhere).

All profits will be shared equally between BHMAT and the Wood Education Programme Trust. Contact details are here.
BHMAT would like to thank the following organisations for the grants they have awarded to the trust:

ERNEST COOK TRUST - learning from the land since 1952
Friends of the Lake District work to protect and conserve the landscapes of Cumbria and the Lake District. They support sustainable woodland management and the work of the BHMAT.
Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Defra - Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
BHMAT is always looking for grants and donations to fund our apprentices and the Woodland Pioneers week. Please contact us if you think you may be able to help or know someone that can.
Images on this site are taken from Bill Hogarth's own collection and that of BHMAT members and the Wood Education Programme Trust. © Mrs Pat Hogarth, BHMAT, WEP and originators. Permission for reproduction in any format must be requested

Bill Hogarth MEMORIAL APPRENTICESHIP TRUST Charity no. 1096755