Learning to make in the woods is one of the most rewarding things you can do, using axe, knife and chisel make yourself a beautiful, functional thing that will last you years. Below is a copy of the woodwork menu to whet your appetite!
We also run residential courses in Chair making, bowl turning, spoon carving or stool making, tucked in the woods using materials from around you with fine food, local ales and cider and a group of like minded makers. Longer residential courses run from May - September and can be booked in conjunction with any of our spaces. For the full course schedule visit Will's site by clicking the button below-
Spoon carving Over the course of the weekend Will takes you through the safe knife grips used by spoon carvers all over the world. We will explore various different forms and methods of achieving them, look at different ways of hollowing and discuss tool maintenance and care. There will be plenty of spoons from Will's collection to take inspiration from and, of course, all the lovely, fresh green wood you could hope for! At £200 for the weekend including all materials, courses run throughout the year, follow the link below for dates.
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Bowl turningBuild a bowl lathe that you can take away with you, and learn to turn beautiful bowls with Yoav Elkayam. We will provide all the materials needed to build your own bowl lathe, and by the end of the course you will have the skills required to continue turning beautiful bowls whenever you please! Since taking a bowl turning and tool forging course with Sharif Adams a few years ago, Yoav has been been constantly working, learning and exploring the deep, satisfying path of green woodworking. This course is five days long and costs £480 including all materials, you will have plenty of time to soak up Yoav's knowledge and explore the art of bowl turning.
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Stool making Make a traditional frame stool out of native ash from our own woodland. On this course you will learn to use a variety of traditional tools such as the drawknife and shave horse, and ancient techniques that use the natural shrinkage of green wood to form perfect mortise and tenon joints. The seat will be woven from either Danish chord or locally sourced wych elm bark. Please note: There will be an additional charge of £15 for bark seating material. At £200 for the weekend including all materials, courses run throughout the year, follow the link below for dates, and remember - you are guaranteed to go home with a beautiful stool you made yourself!
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ArriveAll tools and materials will be provided, and tuition will usually run from around 9.30am to 5pm with plenty of tea and coffee throughout the day. For directions to the woods by car or public transport please see the contact us page. Transfers are available from the local stations. If you are driving and have a spare seat space in the car, let us know, we can offer it to other course members on your way here.
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StayWe have different accommodation options-
Camping pitch (bring your own tent) £5 p/n Cabins or Benders, £15 p/n If you fancy glamping in the Yurt drop us a line. Please bring a sleeping bag or duvet with you. We have a compost toilet, a washroom and our outdoor shower is a wonderful way to refresh yourself on a sunny afternoon! Parking is available in the woods, but unfortunately we cannot accommodate caravans or large camper vans. |
EatBreakfast of porridge, muesli, fruit or bacon and eggs is self-service, and a simple vegetarian lunch will be provided. In the evening we usually operate a kitty system and course members take it in turn to cook their favorite meal. If you don't fancy cooking there is always the washing up to help with! We run an honesty bar in the workshop stocked with local ales, ciders and wines.
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