Bulworthy Project — Local services in North Devon

I met Pete and Anna at a charcoal making demonstration in a nature reserve open day on Dartmoor a couple of years ago and was (like everyone there) fascinated by their enthusiasm and knowledge of the process of turning sustainable coppiced hardwood into excellent and superior charcoal for cooking and as an artists drawing material. I could not help wanting to have a go myself, and found the weekend course immensely rewarding. From the careful stacking of the wood, the alchemy of controlling the slow overnight combustion process, and the final extraction and grading of the charcoal, this was both emotionally and intellectually highly satisfying. The wood is sourced renewably from their native English hardwood trees growing on the hills overlooking the middle Exe valley. Pete and Anna have a deep and entertaining knowledge of their woodland and the wildlife they share it with. Their generosity as hosts is touching, and their local produce delicious. In an age when 'sustainable' is tacked as a buzzword onto any consumer product, it is hugely reassuring to find people making their living producing a very high quality product which is genuinely carbon neutral, which uses no other resources, and which encourages species diversity in its sourcing. Compared to supermarket charcoal of dubious and often rainforest-clearance origin and flown half way across the world, their charcoal is exceptionally easy lighting without chemicals, smoke free, long-burning, low-ash, and gives out masses of heat; a little goes a long way and is functionally better value as well as being environmentally responsible. This course will suit everyone, from those keen to manage their own woodlands, to those who want to spend an enjoyable weekend in England's greenwoods in...

I have visited Pete and Anna at Bulworthy Project a number of times and completed the Charcoal making course on two occasions.

Coming from the city, there is no better way to leave the pressure behind you and reconnect with nature than to visit this couple so passionate and enthusiastic about their surroundings, who work so very hard to live and work sustainably, so as to ensure the most positive co-existence with their home, the most beautiful of Devonshire Woodland.

It is fascinating to learn with them the craft of sustainable charcoal making, something that takes a lot careful application of knowledge and skill, each piece of wood sized up and arranged in it's specific place in the kiln, to ensure an even burn, with the least waste. There is a lot more planning than you would initially expect.

The activity is engaging, the atmosphere warm and welcoming, while sometimes momentarily dramatic as the fire is lit and the smoke starts to billow...

I have come to know Pete and Anna as the most gracious hosts. You are well fed, watered and wined - with the most delicious of local produce, the majority of which originates within a square mile of where you sit (either foraged, farmed, bartered or brewed by your hosts).

I cannot recommend this experience enough. Come and see a real experiment in sustainable living, you'll be...

Beautiful little cabin! Really lovely. Very out of the way and tranquil. An hour's drive from all major beaches and not far from the best pub in the world (the mount pleasant inn). I was worried about being cold as we went in December, but the log burner is so effective, we were completely snug. Really cute, recommend for...