Trust aims to revive ancient art of charcoal making

The National Trust for Scotland is hoping to revive the ancient art of charcoal making by offering one of Scotland's few charcoal making courses in 2012.

Those interested in learning the skill to create this sustainable fuel source can do so in the stunning surroundings of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most Southerly Munro.

Inspired by the need to tackle the spread of invasive Rhododendron ponticum in the area, the dedicated and inventive ranger team onsite came up with the idea of turning the pest to profit. Using an onsite kiln, the team turn rhododendrons into charcoal which they have been selling for sometime. The profit raised contributes to the vital conservation work that the charity carries out there.

Keen to share these new found skills with others, the ranger team have developed a two day course to show how to make charcoal using the onsite kiln and smaller facilities too. In doing so, the team have helped fill a gap in the market as there are currently few courses on offer in Scotland while there appears to be a rekindling of interest in woodskills and related activities.

Property Manager Alasdair Eckersall said: “Charcoal making is a great skill and one which lots of people are interested in in the current economic climate. Charcoal is a sustainable and low cost fuel that is suitable for stoves and of course, the barbeque too.

“Here at Ben Lomond, we’ve had great success in turning the invasive species Rhododendron ponticum into a more productive and profitable material, and all of this is helping to pay for our vital conservation work in this beautiful part of Scotland.”

The How to Make Charcoal course takes place on 19 and 20 April and costs £120 per adult, including accommodation in the comfortable Ardess Lodge bunkhouse. For more information and bookings, please contact Ben Lomond ranger service on 0844 4932217.

Ben Lomond has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland since 1984. Located by Loch Lomond and at the start of the West Highland Way, the hill is popular with walkers and is well-known for its natural heritage boasting a wide range of flora and fauna to enjoy all year round.

However, the area is also rich with cultural heritage too and boasts a number of fascinating archaeological sites which show how man has lived and worked in the area for centuries – some of these sites are highlighted by the Ardess History Trail.