We and the land at Pentiddy can offer a range of products and services. Please get in touch with us for further information about any of the following…
Scything and scything lessons
In our attempts to reduce our impact and use of fossil fuels we learnt to scythe. Anthony has been in the finals of the west-country scything championships on several occasion and Adeon (our son) has won the quality cup twice.
This amazing tool is quiet, meditative and above all effective way of mowing grass, and is particularly suited to cutting grass to make hay, as well as cutting your lawn.
Anthony offers mowing services as well as tuition on the use of the scythe, maintenance and sharpening (peening)
Chairs and benches
Anthony loves making things from wood, and has over 25 years of experience and formerly was trading as Heartwood Creations offering woodland services and a range of rustic products. Chairs are a passion and he has made many different styles from bent-hazel to windsor. Please visit the gallery page to see examples of his work. He is happy to take commissions and make something unique for you.
Gates
On a smallholding there are a lot of gates. Anthony has made many of them, and also taught volunteers and interns over the years so we have an eclectic mix of quirky gates from many people over the land at Pentiddy. Recently the entrance to Tregovenek community garden had a pair made, one by Anthony and one by Adeon- an amazing father and son team! They can be made to your own design or in consultation with us. The favoured material is sweet chestnut because of it’s natural durability and clean growth habit, with the added advantage it is a beautiful timber.
Biochar and kiln hire
Biochar is a product with amazing properties. Once ‘charged’ it can be used as a soil improver- locking in carbon and holding moisture and nutrients for slow release. The best material to use for charring is ramial wood- under 3″ diameter and can include leaves. It’s not a complicated process- just keep piling it on so the embers build up quickly. This means that there is little oxygen in the embers for complete combustion and the wood pyrolises (charcoals). When you have burnt all you have the embers are quenched thoroughly and left to cool. The result is uncharged biochar. Ideally the biochar needs charging (it needs to take up nutrients so it can release them later). This can be done by soaking it in anything from urine to a ‘tea’ made from nutrient rich plants such as nettle, comfrey or horsetail.
Our kiln is available to hire if you wish to make your own.
Volunteer Opportunities
We take volunteers at particularly busy times of year, particularly for the coppicing and haymaking times.
These are an opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills, enjoy some community time and make these tasks a fun and nourishing experience. Please e-mail us if you are interested in spending some volunteer time with us.
Tours
We offer opportunities for groups to come and view Pentiddy and it’s many elements. Walking from the burial ground down through the coppice to the house and gardens with a chance to chat about what is happening and ask questions.
Sharing and learning
Many of the things we have done and do here and the skills we have learnt we can offer advice and guidance on and share our learning so we can all benefit. We love the cross pollination of ideas and skills.
Roundhouse Hire
The Roundhouse in the community coppice is available for hire for groups or private events such as birthdays, weddings and funerals.
It is a rustic space with a unique charm. We have canvas coverings for windows and the doors if desired.
We can also provide a fire-bowl and firewood for these events if required.
Please do not light any fires without our consent.