Experience the Traditional Charcoal Burn at Dean Heritage Centre

Our Traditional Charcoal Burn is back again for the Early May Bank Holiday, from the 2nd to the 4th of May! Join us for this unique experience at the Dean Heritage Centre, one of the few places in the country that uses the traditional turf-and-earth clamp method to make charcoal.

We will be open every day over the bank holiday weekend from 10:00 to 17:00. Come and see the charcoal burn in action! You can also chat with our dedicated team of volunteers who will be manning the burn throughout the event.

Charcoal Burn Schedule

Saturday

10:00-12:00 - Building the stack

13:00 - Lighting the stack

Sunday

10:00-17:00 - All day burn

The stack is quenched and left to cool overnight.

Monday

10:00 - Harvest the charcoal

Volunteer tending Charcoal Burn Dean Heritage Centre

Sustainable Practices

The wood for our charcoal comes from the sustainable management of woodlands in the Forest of Dean. We use a traditional method called coppicing. This technique is not only beneficial to wildlife but also keeps air miles to a minimum! By sourcing our materials locally, we support the environment and the community.

How to Use Our Charcoal

Our charcoal is easy to light. You won’t need firelighters or lighting fuel. Just roll up a small amount of charcoal in newspaper and light it. Once it’s lit, add more charcoal as needed. You’ll be ready to cook in just 15 to 20 minutes!

Join Us for a Unique Experience

We invite you to join us for this exciting event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about traditional charcoal making and to appreciate the skills of our volunteers. You’ll also get to see firsthand how we preserve the rich heritage of the Forest of Dean.

Visit Our Gift Shop

After the charcoal is harvested on Monday, it will be available for sale in the Heritage Gift Shop in the following weeks. Don’t miss your chance to take home a piece of this unique experience!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Dean Heritage Centre. Come and immerse yourself in the traditions of our area while enjoying a fun day out with family and friends.