4th Training School of EU-PoTaRCh
Möhkö Ironwork’s village, Finland 1st – 3rd September 2026

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Forest heritage
EU-PoTaRCh COST action connects the past, present, and future of key non-timber forest products in Europe and beyond. Focusing on forest by-products like Potash, Tar, Resin, and Charcoal (PoTaRCh), it highlights their significance in traditional forest use and their role in industrial history. The project also explores related products like tannins and pitches, shedding light on their impact on European heritage.
❗NEW Calls for STSM and DC Conference Grants are Open NOW❗
Discover Traditional Forest Resources

Potash
A key component in fertilizers and historical production processes, essential in agriculture and chemical industries for centuries.

Tar
A natural product widely used, from wood preservation to shipbuilding, with deep roots in traditional industries.

Resin
A versatile substance valued for medicinal and industrial uses, employed in making medicines, varnishes, and incense.

Charcoal
Vital in early metallurgy and smelting, now mainly used in filtration and grilling.
Read and Watch our News
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STSM at Historic England
Below you can read a few words from Aze Peeters which recently completed my Short-Term Scientific Mission at Historic England (Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth), hosted by Dr. Zoe Hazell. „During the… read more
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4th Training School of EU-PoTaRCh, Möhkö Ironwork’s village, Finland
Training school will take place form 1st to 3rd September 2026 Representatives of local organizers: Timo Särkkä & Maare Paloheimo (University of Jyväskylä), Heidi Koponen, Museum curator (Ilomantsi Museum Foundation) Local Organiser: Möhkö Ironworks… read more
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3rd Training School of EU-PoTaRCh
Production, Analysis, Valorisation of Charcoal – in the Past and Today 30 June – 2 July 2026 We are pleased to announce the 3rd Training School of EU-PoTaRCh, dedicated to exploring… read more
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Report on the Workshop WG1, WG3 and WG4 – Writing Retreat/Sprint
ICH Protection, UNESCO’s Involvement and PoTaRCh The workshop “Writing Retreat/Sprint: ICH Protection, UNESCO’s Involvement and PoTaRCh” was organized within the framework of the COST Action CA22155 – EU-PoTaRCh by Working Groups 1… read more
Explore Our Working Groups


Heritage
Work Group 1


Analytical Characterization
Work Group 2


Archeology
Work Group 3


Environmental History
Work Group 4


Future Perspectives
Work Group 5