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 charcoal production from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
The training school will take place in Charcoal Land, Dole pri Litiji (Slovenia), approximately 70 km east of Ljubljana, with accommodation and activities centred at Frelih Winery in Šentrupert.
The event aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of charcoal production, covering technical, archaeological, social, economic, and heritage-related aspects. Particular attention will be given to traditional production methods, the role of charcoal in rural economies, the relationship between charcoal production and tourism, and the use of historic charcoal production sites as valuable palaeoenvironmental archives.
The training school is intended for:
- Early-career researchers already involved in PoTaRCh-related research;
- Students and young researchers interested in entering the field;
- Senior researchers wishing to broaden their perspectives on PoTaRCh research and practice.
A key feature of the event will be the active interaction between academics and professional charcoal burners, creating opportunities for practical learning and knowledge exchange.
Participation
The overall number of participants is limited to 15, including self-funded attendees, due to accommodation capacity and transportation logistics.
Information regarding registration and participation is in your inbox 📨.
Training Topics
Archaeology and Landscape Research
Participants will learn how to:
- Identify charcoal and tar production sites in forests and LiDAR datasets;
- Collect samples from historic production sites;
- Analyse charcoal remains and develop relevant research questions.
Charcoal Production Today
Activities will include:
- Visits to operating charcoal kilns;
- Discussions with charcoal burners;
- Participation in kiln construction and/or charcoal harvesting;
- Exploration of sustainable charcoal production and its role in rural economies.
Tourism and Public Engagement
Sessions will focus on:
- Presenting PoTaRCh traditions and research to wider audiences;
- Developing educational trails;
- Communicating the contemporary relevance of traditional forest products.
Programme Highlights
30 June – Day 1
Introduction to charcoal production in the past and present, lectures on charcoal production sites as archives of woodland composition, and practical work at a charcoal kiln.
1 July – Day 2
Identification of charcoal production sites using LiDAR, field visits to historic production sites, charcoal sampling, microscopy sessions, and lectures on charcoal analysis.
2 July – Day 3
Lectures on rural development, tourism, and professional charcoal production, followed by a visioning workshop on preserving the tangible and intangible heritage of PoTaRCh products.