Sallerton Wood reviews

14 Jul 23'

Graeme Gallimore reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"What a great way to spend a day working in a beautiful woodland, with natural materials from the site, and creating a little piece of carving to be proud of. Thoroughly enjoyed the tutoring, and other guests company, making a memory that I will look back on very fondly. PS. take care, them tools are bloomin sharp :-)"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, Graeme, for that kind review. It's great that you enjoyed the course, it's tutoring, companionship, and natural environment. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood one day sometime in the future. "

6 Jul 23'

Barry reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Great day out in the woods. Andy is a passionate and very skilled craftsman, who also happens to buy good cake and make a decent cup of tea ! Came away with 3 (semi useful - limited by my skills only) items but really enjoyed the day. It was given as a present and turned out to be a real treat - Highly recommended !! Thanks Andy. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Barry for that positive review and recommendation. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the course, and the cake and tea too! We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future. "

19 Jun 23'

Carole reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I so enjoyed the course and learned so much that I have booked to attend another! Andy is a good teacher and the other students were good fun .I do recommend the course."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your recommendation, Carole. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and we look forward to seeing you in Spetember when you return to Sallerton Wood to do the Shave Horse Making course. "

19 Jun 23'

Susie Jones reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"This was my third course at Sallerton Wood and definitely the most challenging and rewarding! I learnt some more greenwood working skills and was able to practise ones I had learnt previously. Andy is a great teacher and a very skilled craftsman with solutions to every problem. The whole two days were really well planned and resourced so everyone achieved success no matter what their previous experience. It was also lovely sharing lunch breaks with a really sociable and interesting group of people in a beautiful woodland setting. I’m looking forward to my next course already!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Susie, for posting your review of the course. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, the companionship of the other attendees, and the woodland setting of the workshop area. We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood again when you return for your fourth course, and we look forward to hearing about what you have made on your new shave horse in the meantime! "

14 Jun 23'

Rosie reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Thank you very much for a really enjoyable day, the woods were such a lovely place for an introduction to woodworking techniques! Andy was a great teacher, very patient and helpful, and we can't wait to come back for another course. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Rosie, for your very positive review. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course, and it was good to have you and Bethan on the course. We look forward to seeing you again when you come back to Sallerton Wood for another course. "

13 Jun 23'

Helen reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I had a really excellent day - the location is beautiful and the course was so informative and fun - I had no previous experience of woodwork and I will definitely be signing up for another course! "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Helen, for your comments. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and its location, and we're delighted that you're intending to join us for another course at Sallerton Wood. We look forward to that."

4 Jun 23'

Tanya & Chris Barber-Hopgood reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Andy is a brilliant teacher, balancing good, clear instruction whilst allowing you to explore the creativity of the craft by yourself. So the product you take home will be entirely unique to you. The course is adapted to different levels of skill and we were complete beginners. Even if you have no experience in woodworking but you want to try your hand at something new in the crafting world then this is a fantastic course for you. You will not only take home something completely original that you have created with your own hands but you will do it in the most beautiful of surroundings. I can’t begin to describe the peaceful atmosphere of this woodland and highly recommend camping. For 2 days you will feel like you are completely removed from civilisation. We visited in the Spring when the forest was blanketed by bluebells and wild garlic and on our first day met a deer. We awoke on the Saturday morning to the sound of light rain, a babbling brook and birdsong. People pay money for meditation soundtracks that aren’t as good as this. We would recommend taking a pair of well fitting gloves as this sort of work is hard on the hands. All in all a wonderful place to stay and a wonderful thing to do. Would highly recommend in every regard. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Tanya & Chris, for your lovely thoughtful comments about the course, and its peaceful woodland environment. We are really pleased that the two of you returned to Sallerton Wood to do the Greenwood Carving course. Your comments will be really useful to others when deciding whether to attend a course with us at Sallerton Wood. Thanks too for your suggestion about work gloves! Very helpful. We hope to see you both back again at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future."

4 Jun 23'

Nick Paish reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I came back for another course at Sallerton Wood and late May is the perfect time of year as the wild flowers and bird song are at their best in this little piece of paradise. Andy remains the perfect tutor with his calm and easy to follow advice while leaving you be to add your own mark on your piece. I made a large arm chair with a rail back and I still can’t get my head around how in 7 days I turned a couple of logs into a beautiful chair. Don’t worry about going hungry either as every day Andy provided a fantastic spread for lunch, the pizzas made in the wood fired oven were the best, and plenty of biscuits and cakes to keep your energy levels up. I can’t recommend a Sallerton Wood course highly enough, whatever you choose to make you will have a great time in a beautiful location and take home something you made with your own hands "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Nick, for that lovely review. We are delighted that you returned to Sallerton Wood to attend another course and make a wonderful arm-chair. We're glad too that you enjoyed the woodland environment with its wild flowers and bird song. Thanks for your comments about the lunches, and we're pleased that you liked the pizzas in particular. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again one day, for a course or just a visit. "

31 May 23'

Jon McGurk reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Wonderful course with an excellent tutor, which offered this complete novice the chance to start with logs of ash wood and finish with a proper chair. Andy is marvellous whether you get the hang of something straight away or are struggling, his patience is as limitless as his knowledge. I would heartily recommend this course to anyone from complete beginners to those with existing skills. The woodland is a little bit of heaven in the Devon countryside, the pizzas weren't bad either! Many thanks and I hope to be back for another course next year."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Jon, for taking the time to write that kind review. We're really pleased that you enjoyed the course, and the woodland environment in which it took place. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the pizzas made in the wood-fired clay oven in the kitchen shelter. It was good to have you on the course, and we look forward to seeing you next year if you manage to get along to do another course. In the meantime, enjoy your lovely chair. "

29 May 23'

Wendy Johnson reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Really enjoyed this course. Andy was supportive, encouraging but helped me when I needed it. I have never done anything like this before but felt empowered and I am extremely proud of my finished chair. The surroundings are beautiful, the whole experience was very positive and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something different and creative. It was hard work but I enjoyed every part of the process and it was an experience I will never forget. I met some lovely people and at 67 I achieved something I never thought I could. Thank you Andy you are brilliant at what you do long may it continue. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Wendy, for your lovely review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the course so much, and the environment in which it took place. You and your husband, George, both made wonderful chairs, and we hope that you enjoy using them for many years to come. We'd love to see you back at Sallerton Wood at sometime in the future, for another course, or just for a visit. "

20 May 23'

Adrian Jowitt reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Brilliant course …again! And I’ll be back for the chair course. Andy’s a great tutor and good company. Do a course with Andy and you will not be disappointed. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Adrian, for your kind review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its tuition. It will be great to see you back at Sallerton Wood to do the Chair-making course. In the meantime, thanks for your support, and enjoy using your new shave-horse. "

9 May 23'

David Sykes reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"Another great course at Sallerton Woods. As ever, Andy was superb at explaining the principles and demonstrating the methods - including the 'this is what will happen when you get it wrong!' The Delia Smith of the woodworking world! As part of the course I chose to make a spoon, initially by turning a 'baton' with a sphere, cleaving off half the sphere and then carving out the bowl of the spoon. I hadn't anticipated that the carving would be just as absorbing as the wood turning. Not only is the course good, the surroundings are fantastic, in the heart of a deciduous wood, with sounds of wildlife, and smells of moss, woodsmoke and coffee at refreshment time. A particular thanks for providing the Gluten Free food options Great fun! I will be back. Many thanks."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, David, for being the very first person to review our brand new course in pole lathe turning. Thanks for your kind words too, and for returning to Sallerton Wood for this, your second course. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its woodland environment, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the future. "

29 Apr 23'

STEWART reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Hi Andy thanks for a really enjoyable two days, your skill and patience are legend. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words, Stewart. We hope that you enjoy using the shave horse that you made during the course. "

27 Apr 23'

Susie Jones reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Such a satisfying three days spent making my stool in beautiful and peaceful woodland! The course is challenging but each stage of the process is really well demonstrated and explained by Andy who is an excellent teacher. I was so pleased with my finished stool I have booked myself onto the shave horse course in June!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your kind review, Susie, and thanks for coming back to us for another course. We look forward to seeing you again in June when you return to Sallerton Wood for your third course! In the meantime, enjoy your stool. "

27 Apr 23'

Rod and Debbie Morris-Kirby reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"My Wife and I had a wonderful day. Andy was a patient teacher and clearly an expert. The wood is a great setting and far removed from the bustle of our usual working day. Thoroughly recommended."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your review and recommendation, Debbie and Rod. We're glad to hear the two of you enjoyed the peace and tranquilty of Sallerton Wood, and that you enjoyed the course too. It's a lovely setting for the running of the course; enjoyed by the staff as well as the students!. "

27 Apr 23'

Will Adams reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I thoroughly enjoyed my three days in the woods. Andy patiently takes you through the process of crafting a green wood stool - from wood selection, paring the timber using traditional methods to weaving a bark seat. We finished the course with a treasured piece of furniture and also well fed. Wood-fired pizzas for lunch was a particular highlight! Many thanks Andy. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"It's great to hear that you enjoyed the course so much, Will. It's good to hear that you enjoyed the pizzas too! We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood, if you decide to return sometime. In the meantime, enjoy your stool! "

27 Apr 23'

Gareth Meredith reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"My father and I had a wonderful day on our introductory course. Andy was a great teacher, knowledgeable and patient too! The setting is delightful and really allows for a peaceful and immersive experience. Recommended without hesitation. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Gareth, for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you and your father enjoyed the course, its tuition, and its woodland setting. We hope to welcome one or both of you back to Sallerton Wood one day for another course. "

13 Dec 22'

Andy Hewitt reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I can't rate this introduction to green woodwork course highly enough! Andy is an excellent teacher, and pitches this perfectly. The facilities at Sallerton Wood enable you to have a great experience learning the ropes whilst having fun. The only problem you'll find is how quicky the time passes due to how enjoyable it is! Highly recommend Andy and this course."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your kind review and recommendation, Andy. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course, and we hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future. "

10 Nov 22'

Susie Jones reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I really enjoyed every part of the kuksa carving course! The setting is tranquil and Andy managed to teach to the wide range of skill levels in an unhurried and encouraging way that allowed everyone to achieve something worthwhile. The lunches were generous and delicious and it was great to see water for tea boiled on the rocket stove. I’m looking forward to returning to Sallerton Wood for my next course in the spring!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Susie, for that nice review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its tranquil woodland setting. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton wood on the stool-making course in April. "

11 Oct 22'

Mike reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"A wonderful 2 days spent learning to carve a kuksa from the patient and knowledgeable Andy Morton in beautiful and relaxing woodland. It was a delight to use really sharp tools with the bonus of Andy showing us how to keep them sharp."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Mike for your positive and kind review. We were pleased to see you back at Sallerton Wood again, and many thanks for all of the support you have given us over recent years."

9 Oct 22'

John Adkins reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Great surroundings Andy was great at explaining what we needed to do and very patient (he needed to be with me). Really enjoyable day and walked away with a smashing mallet and a dibber "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, John, for your kind review. We're very glad to hear that you enjoyed the course, its tuition, and its surroundings. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood for another course one day."

29 Sep 22'

Julie Newark reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"My birthday treat from my sisters an absolutely fabulous experience, Andy certainly has the patience of a saint ? My mallet is now a toilet roll holder to cover my dodgy handle but my rolling pin is usable and looks fantastic. Great day out thank you Andy, oh and Sonia and Tracy (they paid)"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Very many thanks, Julie, for your very enthusiastic review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your day's green working at Sallerton Wood as your Birthday treat with your sisters. We also enjoyed reading about the innovative use for your greenwood mallet!! Enjoy using your rolling pin, and we hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future. "

28 Sep 22'

Tracy Hutchinson reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Just done the one day course with Andy my sisters and I, we had a great day.We all came away with articles that people recognise ( some better than others)…Andy showed great patience and sense of humour.. It really is a good day. Thanks Andy."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Tracey, for your nice review. We're very pleased that you and your sisters enjoyed the day and came away with some recognizable articles. We hope to see some, or all, of you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future. "

1 Sep 22'

Stewart Pearce reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Attended introduction course at Sallaton had a fantastic day with a great bunch of people. Andy was a great teacher and we all managed to produce good results. The best birthday present I have had in years! Stewart."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Stewart, for that positive review. We're glad that you enjoyed the course, and it's nice that it was a birthday gift too. We look forward to meeting you again next season when you return to Sallerton Wood for the Make a Shave Horse course. "

31 Aug 22'

Nigel reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I am so pleased, I traveled from East Sussex, to make my shave horse. Sallerton wood is a tranquil place to do green woodworking. Andy is a great teacher, very patient with total newbie’s. Then you get spoilt with tea and coffee and cake, and a lovely lunch, all served in a wonderful kitchen shelter with clay rocket stoves and oven’s ( Andy please run a course/ write a book on how to build one)"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Nigel for your enthusiastic review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the teaching on the course, and the tranquillity of Sallerton Wood. Thanks also for your positive comments about the teas and lunches, and indeed your additional suggestion about a course or book about clay ovens and rocket stoves! We hope that you get many days and months of pleasure using your shave horse. "