Rustic Hedgerow Chair

with Ivor Hancock

Discover how West Country folk used to make, strong, comfortable hedgerow chairs with materials from hedges, woods and gardens. The secret of their craft was in selecting the right shapes of branches for the different parts of their chairs. Cut green from the hedge these "grown components" had great inherent strength and, when fitted together in a cleverly devised sequence, produced a chair of proven strength and reliability. Materials and tools supplied. Take home your own hedgerow chair.

Cost £42

Blackdown Splint Basket

with Martin Turner

This local version of the traditional Westcountry Splint basket was used on farms for carrying potatoes, turnips etc. The sturdy construction gives it many uses around the garden and home. Using goat willow from the Blackdowns and some green woodworking techniques, you will fashion and assemble your own basket to take home. Materials included.

Cost: £45

Traditional Hazel Hurdles

with Martin Turner

Traditionally made hazel hurdles are the strongest and most durable of all and can be hard work to make. In this introductory day, Martin will show you how to select hazel rods from ones he has already cut, how to set up the uprights or zails, split the rods and twist the hazel into the weave. By the end of the day you will come away with a small 3ft by 3ft hurdle and good knowledge of the fundamentals of hurdle making. The theory and practice of coppicing will be discussed if the group are interested.

Cost: £45

Introduction to Green Woodworking

with Tim Beazley (BHHA and Neroche Scheme)

These one day introductory courses are a 'taster' to gauge interest in the development of a more permanent green woodworking base within the Neroche forest. For anybody with an interest in working wood the traditional way. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. Participants will be introduced to the basic theory and practice of working unseasoned timber through a 'hands on' practical day. Learn about the raw material, why wood is worked 'green' and use a selection of different tools and devices. The basic skills of sawing, cleaving, shaving and turning will be demonstrated and you will be able to practise some of the techniques, using a shave horse and pole lathe. Wear old clothes and stout boots, all tools and materials are supplied.

Cost: £50

Hedgerow Baskets

with Izzy Beazley (to be held at Fyne Court)

An introduction to basket-making. Create a truly individual and colourful round willow basket incorporating hedgerow materials. Participants will familiarise themselves with the properties of willow and the different hedgerow materials that will have been collected for use. By the end of the day you will also have a better understanding of the basics of willow cultivation, harvesting and preparation for working.

Cost: £45

Willow Christmas Decorations (half-day course)

with Izzy Beazley

Come and make beautiful festive decorations with willow and hedgerow material. The workshop covers making wreaths and/or table centrepieces, with time to develop designs and ideas using natural materials for decorations for the home or for unique presents.

This is a half day course with one class from 10am to 1pm and a second on the same day between 2pm and 5pm.

Hedgerow Forage for Autumn Wild Foods

with Richard Whiteside & Jenny Archard (BHHA and Wildside Experience)

Join us for a mornings walk along laid and un-laid hedges to forage for wild foods. Besides the more common blackberries and hazel nuts, we'll be looking for other edibles and interesting finds. We'll finish around a fire with a hot drink, to talk about recipes and how to process the autumn food we have collected.

Cost: £15 adult, £5 per child (suitable for over 8’s only)