This workshop, led by Jeremy Ralph with the Material Cultures team and Oxfordshire Community Land Trust, explored the use of local timber to construct housing. The first day consisted of guided visits to local sites where timber was grown and processed, focusing on how it could be produced regeneratively in local landscapes. On the second day, participants learned about timber construction through the making and application of wooden shingles. Participants worked with shallow-cut logs and learned techniques from a shingles specialist, using specialised tools to split and shape the wood. These workshops welcomed people of all building abilities, beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All materials and equipment were provided.

Jeremy Ralph has been working in forestry and timber for over twenty years. Starting out in Cumbria working on forest operations, Jez went onto study forestry at Aberdeen leading to management of the Architectural Association's forest campus at Hooke Park. After a travel scholarship in 2012 to study timber architecture and localised supply-chains Jez formed what is now Evolving Forests to use his specialist knowledge of timber growing & timber properties to create modern bio-based solutions for the built environment. Evolving Forests is now involved in creating direct connections between live builds and local materials as well as media creation to build a deeper cultural connection with our forests and trees.

Oxfordshire Community Land Trust (OCLT): is a non-profit organisation that brings land into community ownership across Oxfordshire for the benefit of local people. Its main focus at the moment is creating genuinely and permanently affordable, community-led housing. Rooted in the values of sustainability, cooperation, and local empowerment, OCLT partners with individuals, groups, and organisations to build homes and places that meet real community needs.