Sallerton Wood reviews

11 May 22'

Barry & Chrissie Wallis reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Great atmosphere of friendship and enthusiasm from the minute we arrived. Andy's instruction was clear and encouraging, he moved at the correct pace for each individual and encouraged everyone to help each other. We highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to learn some woodcraft."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Barry & Chrissie, for this very positive review. We're very pleased that you both enjoyed the course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton wood if you choose to do another course sometime in the future. In the meantime, enjoy using your shave horses!"

5 May 22'

Stuart reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I don’t think I can add much to the reviews already on here. Unhurried instruction and a great environment to learn in. Stayed locally in a B&B but camping an option on site. As well as learning the skills to build your own shave horse, Andy was happy to share his knowledge about all woodland related things."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Stuart, for your positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the environment at Sallerton Wood, and we hope that you have many hours of enjoyment using the Shave Horse that you made. Thanks for supporting us by joining us on this course, and indeed by writing your review. "

5 May 22'

Jonathan Moore reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I had a day on the introduction to green woodworking and was quite taken by how involved it is, from choosing a specific piece of wood to make a particular tool because of the grain or a knot. Andy is a very skilled passionate teacher for whom nothing was too much trouble. Very much enjoyed the day. Thanks to Andy and Jane."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Jon, for your review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood one day if you choose to do a further course. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer. "

3 May 22'

Rob reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Wonderful day in a fantastic setting. Andy is highly skilled, passionate about green woodworking and his enthusiasm is infectious. A really nice person too! I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in "dipping their toe" into this wonderful craft"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Rob, for taking the time to post this review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its setting. We look forward to seeing you again one day, should you return. "

4 Sep 21'

Jacob Ross reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I've lived on four continents, and Sallerton Wood is as lovely a spot as there is, camping among the bluebells below the tree canopy by the stream. Better still is to learn greenwood furniture making from as friendly, skilful and patient a teacher as Andy Morton. It is inspiring as a beginner to use hand tools only, on freshly cut wood from sustainable woodland management, to complete a project to such a high standard. The whole experience was superb - refreshing, relaxing and engaging. I highly recommend the stool making course at Sallerton Wood, I've shared the details with my friends, and am already planning my next visit."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"We are very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and its woodland setting. We look forward to seeing you again on your next course at Sallerton Wood."

2 Sep 21'

Henry reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I had a great day out in such an amazing setting. It was so interesting to find out about selecting and splitting up green wood to work with and then to be shown and learn to use traditional tools in the well-equipped workshop shelter. Andy is extremely knowledgeable and made it all seem so easy. I came away not only with the things I’d made during the day but also eager to do more as soon as I get the chance. Thanks for an excellent day (not to mention the tasty lunch and afternoon cake)."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you so much for that lovely review, Henry. We are delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and the lunch and cake! We'd love to welcome you back to Sallerton Wood at any time in the future."

28 Aug 21'

Chris reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Brilliant course, thanks Andy! We got to try more techniques and tools than I'd imagined and all in a beautiful setting. Would definitely recommend."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Chris for your kind review, and we're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and its setting. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood if you return in the future to do another course."

18 Aug 21'

Katrin Werner reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"My third workshop booked with Craft Courses and certainly the best. Arrived the day before the course and camped in the woods. Such a beautiful and special environment, listening to owls, the stream and feeling totally relaxed and safe on my own. The workshop was unique in so many ways. Not only is Andy highly skilled and inspiring, his relationship to the woods, working with wood and the surrounding environment but also sharing his skills, knowledge and vision felt totally enriching to me. This course was an invitation to enter in a relationship with the wood I was working with and enabled me to create a Kuksa, which is personal and rather beautiful. Wholeheartedly recommend this course ! Very best wishes to the team, you are awesome."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you so much Katrin, for such a lovely review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the course so much, and that you enjoyed the experience of camping in the woods too. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again one day. Very best wishes to you from all of us, i.e. Andy, Jane & Alan."

26 Jul 21'

Roger Savin reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"A most enjoyable 2 day course carving a Kuksa. Andy is a gifted woodsman and his skills, knowledge , patience and teaching skills are outstanding . 2 days in this woodland environment was a very refreshing break , much needed in our present situations. I would recommend the course to anybody . Thank you."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, Roger, for your kind review. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the course, and the woodland itself. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

18 Jul 21'

Chris Ward reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"An excellent course with a good pace. I've learned lots of new skills and come home with a beautiful chair."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much Chris for your very positive review. We are very glad that you have enjoyed the course, and we hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

8 Jul 21'

Peter Roberts reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"The course was a Christmas present from two good friends. Gosh, was I lucky! I was initially reticent about going, but within moments of arrival, I was enjoying the forrest location under cover of a relatively open, but protected shed. Andy was an excellent tutor who was fully hands on giving group and individual guidance without "taking over". Even the least practical of those attending found they could manage to produce some great products to take home and show off to family members. Being a pretty hands on DIY'er I learnt a whole bunch of new things that I could do. It was huge fun! Thanks, Andy!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Peter, for your enthusiastic review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the course, and we'd love to welcome you back to Sallerton Wood if you choose to do another course sometime in the future."

20 Jun 21'

Les reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Great course in a perfect location. Andy is a great teacher, informative skilled & well humoured. I look forward to doing another course in Sallerton Woods sometime soon."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your kind review, Les. We're glad that you appreciated the course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood in the near future."

26 Sep 20'

Gill Birch reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Really wonderful experience and such a sense of achievement when the chair finally comes together. Great location and fantastic facilities. Andy was incredibly knowledgeable and very calm and patient. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do something creative outside. It is suitable for people of all levels experience and we had none."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Gill, for your kind review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, and the environment and facilities at Sallerton Wood. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood one day."

12 Sep 20'

Tricia Marshall reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"My Sallerton Wood Experience. What a wonderful break it was to be absorbed totally with creating a stool from a log of ash and the bark of the elm. We simply followed the directions expertly explained by Andy in the most peaceful relaxing setting of Sallerton Wood. Surrounded by gently rustling trees, the sound of the stream, the bird song and the soft sounds of sharp tools working on wood and the occasional giggle from me as I succeeded to form round legs from square chunks, so satisfying. What better than to rest and chat whilst eating a tasty sandwich made from home-made bread, and fresh salad and to eat pizza straight from the pizza oven, what a treat? All in all we had a perfectly unique experience, to be repeated by us again one day I hope."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Tricia, for this account of your experience at Sallerton Wood. We're very pleased to hear how much you enjoyed it, and we look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood if you decide to return sometime in the future."

30 Aug 20'

Ashley Golder reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Excellent course for learning some basic woodworking skills using non-powered tools. The Shave Horse is a very useful tool to come away with after a weekend of learning these skills. The woodland setting is a great place to spend a few days and Andy's easy and laid back teaching skills combine with his in-depth knowledge to make this an experience to remember."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Ashley, for your kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and we would be pleased to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future. We hope that you get many hours of pleasure using your shave horse."

27 Aug 20'

Carole Constable reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I had a most enjoyable day and, by the end, felt I had received a good grounding in the basic techniques of using the woodworking tools. Andy was a very clear and patient tutor, and was happy to demonstrate repeatedly those techniques which any of us had not grasped immediately. I look forward to coming on another course in the future."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Carole, for posting that kind review, and we're pleased that you enjoyed your course. We look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood for another course sometime in the future."

25 Aug 20'

Juliet Pankhurst reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Andy was so knowledgeable, great environment and really enjoyed the course. Also had lovely lunch ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Great to hear that you enjoyed this course, and many thanks for writing a review. :-)"

27 May 20'

Rob M reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I completed the three day stool making course at Sallerton Wood, which is a beautiful and peaceful setting. Andy, the course tutor, is down-to-earth with a calm and thoughtful teaching style; he has exceptional skill, knowledge and experience. Andy has put a lot of care and thought into the setup, with a fully-equipped workshop offering plenty of shelter and a kitchen/dining area for breaks and lunch. These areas have been lovingly constructed with trees from Sallerton Wood. The various tools you use to produce your stool have also been professionally hand-made by Andy. The whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable and I felt the most relaxed I have in years. It was a joy to be off-grid, in a lovely setting and crafting something from green wood (and I came away with a great little stool). I highly recommend this course and plan to come back again, perhaps to try the chair making course!?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Rob, for your kind review, and I look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood when you are ready to participate in a chair-making course. In the meantime, very best wishes to you. Andy."

19 Oct 19'

Richard & Tricia Marshall reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"What a great day! We had booked places on this course as a Christmas present for ourselves having seen a report on TV of similar green woodworking and thought it would be great to try it too. We originally booked on the May course but had to postpone to September because the date clashed with a family anniversary party. Andy was very helpful getting our booking postponed and made it so easy. We didn't quite know what to expect when we arrived but, despite the rain, the setting was beautiful and fortunately there was more than sufficient shelter. Our tutor Andy immediately made us feel at ease as he described the day ahead and even the H & S was presented gently without making it seem too restricting. Within 30 minutes we were starting to cut log blanks for making our mallets using traditional techniques. Andy explained the objectives and how to use the various tools very clearly, demonstrating their use with consummate skill. As we made our first attempts, he came round and guided each of us, praising and pointing out how to work the wood to get the best results. Andy has such depth of knowledge and great skill in selecting and working with timber. As things progressed through the day, we gradually learnt about how to select the wood for cutting, and how to use each tool to achieve the objective. Having not only the right tools but very sharp ones made things easier. It's clear that time is spent between courses making sure all the tools are fully sharpened, which requires a lot of skill. The spatulas we all made were beautiful and practical. We enjoyed the company of fellow students, who like us had little previous experience. Working in the open air, in woodland was new to us. Everyone got on well together and Andy was excellent, helping each of us but also allowing us to learn by doing, without breathing down our necks! We made mistakes, of course, but then he showed us how to make the most of it anyway. Towards the end of the afternoon we used pole lathes to make various items such as garden dibbers and rolling pins. Again, Andy showed us step by step how to prepare the timber, set it in the lathe and then turn it. Most of us found it quite hard to synchronise the back-and-forth turning of the lathe with apply and then relaxing the cutting tool at the right time. But again, Andy was there showing us how to get the best result. Overall, we can say it was a most excellent and enjoyable introduction to green woodworking, in a super environment with a really great teacher. We'd love to come back for another course; we thoroughly recommend this one to everyone and we're sure that the other courses are just as good."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"We are very pleased to hear that you both enjoyed the course so much, and thank you very much indeed for writing such a kind and thorough review. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood for another course, and please remember to ask for a Return Booking Discount which currently stands at 15%."

3 Oct 19'

Chris Horsburgh reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This was my second course at Sallerton Wood, I attended the stool making course last year and was my first experience of working with green wood. This year I attended the 6 day chair making course. It was an excellent course. The new workshop is a big improvement, the tools were in superb condition. The tuition provided by Andy conveys his enthusiasm for working with green wood and his deep knowledge of the subject. It provides encouragement for course participants to improve their skills and believe that they can produce from what starts off as a log a great piece of furniture. One chair made, only 5 more to go for the dining room suite I have promised my daughter. I am eagerly awaiting the publication of next year's dates so I can book. In addition, I have now bought my own draw knife from Workaid based in Chesham which is a wonderful charity that reconditions old tools and sends them out to developing countries to support projects run by local people."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed for your review, Chris. We're delighted that you've enjoyed both of the courses that you have attended, and we look forward to welcoming you back for a further course next season. The course dates for 2020 are on the Sallerton Wood website right now!"

27 Sep 19'

Carol Voaden reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Joined Andy on a three day stool making course Sept 2019. Very enjoyable sessions, time scheduled to perfection by Andy with regular breaks for beverages and a lovely lunch which gave us all a chance to get to know one another. Andy was always in attendance to provide guidance and support where ever needed. His woodworking skills, use of tools and materials was apparent from start to finish. The setting of the wood and work area was spectacular, clearly supporting the ethos behind the Greenwood Craft Course. I would thoroughly recommend this learning experience to anyone regardless of their existing skills. I was a complete newby to woodworking and managed to turnout a wonderful piece of work. I am very pleased with my stool and it stands in pride of place in my living room, mainly under my feet!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Carol, for posting that kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and its woodland setting. Glad to hear too that you're putting the stool to good use already! We're hoping to welcome you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

27 Sep 19'

Alan Duncan reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I was really looking forward to attending this course but it far exceeded my expectations. I had done very little green woodworking before which was not a problem for Andy. He explained everything clearly, whilst demonstrating the next stage and was always at hand if I needed extra reminders! Sallerton is an idyllic woodland, with a stream running through the site. The working area is well equipped and the tools in good condition and regularly sharpened by Andy. We were well looked after, with regular coffee/tea breaks and good lunches. The group appeared to gel together in part because Andy encouraged people to help each other, working in pairs for certain jobs. We all completed ours stools and I was certainly very pleased with my finished piece. All that is required in a oiling once it has dried out. Brilliant Thank you."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed for posting a review, Alan. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the course so much, and the lovely environment and resources at Sallerton Wood. We'd love to see you back again one day. Many thanks for your kind review."

21 Sep 19'

Dick White reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"What a great 3 days. Super location, relaxed atmosphere - helped by having a really friendly group of attendees. Andy is thorough, patient, very skilled and good at conveying those skills to others, whatever their ability level. Whether you are a complete novice or just want to add to / hone your skills then I can highly recommend booking a course here. I'll certainly be back."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your kind review, Dick. We're very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the course and its atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood for another course, and do remember to ask for the Return Booking Discount when you book; it currently stands at 15%."

16 Sep 19'

Deb reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"We had a really lovely couple of days. It was so nice to be in the woods, listening to the stream while being completely absorbed in chopping, sawing and carving a bit of wood! Andy was very calm with a relaxed style and was always on hand when we had a question."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Deb, for posting a review. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course and the proximity of woodland and stream whilst working on your kuksa. Hope to see you and Mick back at Sallerton Wood again one day."

12 Sep 19'

Jayne Newman reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"This was an amazing course, fantastic setting, run by a friendly knowledgeable trainer, Andy. I have gone from knowing nothing to having the confidence to use a shave horse to shape wood, a pole lathe to finish the wood and shape to the correct size, splitting logs and using an axe, and then fixing it all together to make a shave horse of my own. Brilliant fun. Would recommend this course to everyone Also have to say the food provided was so lovely."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Jayne, for your review and recommendation. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and the provided lunches. We hope that you have lots of fun using your new shave horse for making your own greenwood items."