Sallerton Wood reviews

Amanda Humphries reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"An amazing two day course making a shave horse. This was one of the most enjoyable courses I have done, and I have done many!! Andy was friendly and attentive in looking after us and making sure we had the help and guidance we needed the whole time. The venue, Sallerton Wood, was just the best setting bringing a wonderful tranquility and relaxation to the course. A beautiful setting. I learnt a lot on this course and will be looking to book another!! Thank you."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Many thanks, Amanda, for your review, and we're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment at Sallerton Wood. We look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood on another course, and don't forget to ask for a Return Booking discount which currently stands at 15%."

Steve Mortimer reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I've just returned from the Shave Horse course and I can't thank Andy enough, his style of tutoring is brilliant with a good mix of humuor and guidance. We had a group of seven with mixed experience and his patience with us all was greatly received. The course is quite demanding to complete your own Shave Horse on time, but with Andy's help we all achieved it. You could not wish for a better location to learn new skills, even though we didn't have the best weather we were well sheltered and kept dry at all times. Lunch was provided and was very good especially the quiche. I can't wait to go back next year and try another course. I would not hesitate to recommend Sallerton Wood for your green woodworking courses. Once again thanks Andy for a brilliant couple of days."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Steve, for posting that enthusiastic review - much appreciated. We look forward to your return next year on another course. Don't forget to ask for a Return Booking discount which currently stands at 15%."

Steve Bailey reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Thoroughly enjoyable and informative two days, great to get into the outdoors environment, even better to be shown what can be done with a shave horse...and then put them into practice...Andy demonstrates techniques such that even I had a chance of picking them up, well done Andy, and thanks. My horse has been at home a week and is still standing ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for posting your review, Steve. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood one day."

John Leahy reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A really great experience in a beautiful setting. The tutor was very knowledgeable and a grand host. Learnt a lot, had a lot of laughs, and got to make a shave horse that I will treasure for years. Highly recommended."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, John, for your review and recommendation. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and its woodland setting."

Paul Fricker reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"As a fully qualified Engineer and Trainer for more years than I care to mention, I am only too aware that the most difficult candidates to teach are trainers. I can honestly say without reservation that this course of making a shave horse is the best experience I have ever had on any course. I came as a complete novice. The skills of teaching and instruction given by Andy, enabled me in just two days to learn so many new skills and techniques, which ultimately led to completing a shave horse of my own. The sense of achievement is an experience that will last a lifetime. The location, atmosphere, and hospitality were all first class and topped off by some home baked cooking supplied by Jane. It might be a cliche but genuinely nothing was too much trouble. Thank you Andy and Jane. Kindest Regards Paul."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed for your kind review, Paul. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed and appreciated the course so much, and Jane's cake too! We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood before too long."

Ian Wilson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Just spent a couple of very enjoyable days at Sallerton Wood making a shave horse. The wood is a lovely place to work, the framed buildings are an inspiration as well as being very in keeping with the whole weekend. The workshop is well equipped and the pace just right - getting on with it without feeling rushed. Andy is a knowledgeable and sympathetic teacher who helps you when you need help and lets you get on with it once you've got the hang of it. As others have mentioned tea facilities and cake are excellent and the camping was very relaxing of an evening. Learning green woodwork in an idyllic setting is an absolute pleasure so I'm looking forward to booking up the six day chair making course soon! In the mean time I'm off to start using my new shavehorse"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Than you very much indeed for posting your enthusiastic review, Ian. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and environment at Sallerton Wood, and we look forward to welcoming you back there for a Chair-making course. Enjoy using your new shave horse in the meantime!"

John Samworth reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"What an amazing way to spend a week with a truly beautiful piece of furniture to show for it at the end. The local wood is well stocked with native hardwood trees ample to make a chair (or two) from coppiced wood, the traditional and sustainable method. The staff are very experienced and patient with all attendees, especially those like me with limited experience. All hand tools are available and kept in good condition with keen edges. The team have worked hard to create a self sufficient working environment with minimal impact upon the land and environment. If you enjoy working outdoors then this is the place for you. If you spend your time indoors then its vital you need to join in too!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, John, for posting your review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the course and the environment of Sallerton Wood. Yours is the 50th five-star review that we have received for our courses, and CraftCourses.com have now awarded us their Platinum award as a course provider; their highest award category. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future."

Alex Cullum reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"My main interest in this course was to use the tools and learn the skills of green wood working while spending time in the woods. These goals were met completely, but in addition it was a joy, spending time with such an engaged and experienced instructor as Andy. The woods are beautiful and have a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere as well as diverse vegetation and wildlife. The sound of the streams day and night really lift the vibrant life of the location. The working area is brilliantly constructed in keeping with the theme of the courses and very well equipped. The cooking area is totally relaxing, and Andy’s lunches are just what’s needed. The camping is more luxurious than just rough camping, the hot shower in the morning is a joy and being able to use the kitchen area makes it very comfortable and highly recommended. Being able to just stay in the woods for the length of the whole course added to the experience I was after. As for my product, a small stool with bark seat, before the course I had planned to give it away to in-laws rather than hassle my way home with it on two international flights. However, it is now proudly home with me and I can’t wait to make a shaving horse and have a go at another. Thank you Andy, it was an all round joy spending time in the woods with you. Overall summary: Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in wood and trees. Absolute top value for money. It could not have been better."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your very thorough and enthusiastic review, Alex. I'm sure that Andy will be looking forward very much to seeing you at Sallerton Wood again in the future and will be writing to you separately by email. Alan Morton"

Les reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"What an excellent way to spend a weekend. Andy is great at imparting his knowledge, patient and kind in his encouragement. My fellow students were great, we all had a marvellous time, we met as strangers and left as friends. This is all down to Andy's hospitality. We were well fed, and drinks were always available. The setting is brilliant, with a variety of trees, and a lovely stream which passes right beside the dining area. It is truly magical. The cost of the course has to be the bargain of the year as far as I'm concerned, as you get to leave with an eminently useful piece of kit. Anyone would be hard pressed to even buy a kit that you would have to assemble yourself at this price. Yet here, you can go home with something you have made yourself. There is an immense feeling of pride and satisfaction in that. I can recommend this course to anyone, no matter what you think your skill level may be. Andy will ensure that you can get it done."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your very generous review, Les. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the surrounding woodland environment, and on top of that made some new good friends. It would be good to see you back at Sallerton Wood again before too long."

Sebastiano Puglisi reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"My son and I spent a fantastic weekend in Sallerton Wood. Andy is a great teacher, his hospitality is great, he has made the most of the woodland. The place is fantastic, facilities for camping were brilliant. The shave horse course was an intensive, rewarding task. We are looking forward to returning to Sallerton soon."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your kind comments, Seb, and we're very pleased that you and your son enjoyed the course and liked the environment in which it took place. We're looking forward to seeing one or both of you back at Sallerton Wood, and when you do return, remember the Return Booking Discount, currently standing at 15%!"

Bobby reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Really great course. I booked the Intro course and the Shave Horse course together with a day free in between. Andy tailored the course to suit everyone, complete beginners and those like me with some experience. There were a couple of us who were staying on for the Shave Horse course so we were given ample opportunity to practise our pole lathe skills ready for the weekend! Andy is a great teacher and a very generous and trusting individual and I recommend his courses to anyone new to or looking to get into green woodwork."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Bobby, for your kind review, and for taking the time to review both of the courses you attended recently. We're glad that you enjoyed both courses, and we look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood before long."

Alice Carpenter reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I bought this course for my Dad's birthday in order to spend time together, learn a new skill and create memories. The course exceeded my expectations; the idyllic woodland setting, lovely tea throughout the day and a fresh lunch, together with like-minded attendees on the course and a highly knowledgeable and friendly tutor, Andy. I had no experience of woodwork prior to the course and certainly didn't expect to come away with 3 different items. I enjoyed the course so much that I have now booked onto a further woodworking course closer to home - I would certainly look to come back to Sallerton Wood for further courses in the future. I would recommend the course to anyone - memories to treasure!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Alice, for your review and recommendation. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment in which it took place. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Bobby reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A challenging and rewarding course that I recommend for anyone looking to get involved in green woodwork or for anyone after an alternative weekend in the woods. I've not only come away with lots of new skills and enthusiasm, I've also got a shave horse for my future greenwood endeavours. Andy is a great teacher and ensured that we used only greenwood techniques to make the shave horse. His hospitality is excellent- he provided us with everything from cups of tea and homemade cake (thanks Jane) to sound advice on how to develop our craft. Well worth the six hour drive across the country and I can't wait to return to Sallerton Wood in the near future!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for that kind review, Bobby. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and we look forward to your return visit to Sallerton Wood in the near future."

Glenn Collins reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A quality course that was both challenging and rewarding. The camping facilities are great and I’ve made a few friends for life around the camp fire."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Glenn, for posting a review. We're glad to hear that you found the course rewarding, and that you enjoyed the camping and the evenings around the camp fire."

Mike Tomson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"You'll get to use a shave horse lots to make one, and use the pole lathe + other skills too. Andy is a good teacher, not too on top of you but there for help when you need it. All of us left with a finished working shave horse and having had a good time together. Camping was simple but good, (Jane's cake was good too!)."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your enthusiastic review, Mike. We're glad hear that you enjoyed the course, and we'd love to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Maxine reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"A truly great week making a side chair in Sallerton Wood. Although I have very little experience in working with wood expert help was on hand from Andy for the tricky bits. Fabulous setting in quiet countryside. I didn’t camp in the wood on this occasion but will certainly do so next time. I came away with a lovely chair that I am proud to say I made just about, all by myself! A great course that I would thoroughly recommend."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Maxine, for your kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and like the lovely chair that you made."

Rob Ellis reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Having just completed the 6 day chair making course at Sallerton Woods with Andy Morton, I would highly recommend this experience to all. I really enjoyed the whole week and Andy was a great host as well as an encouraging and thoughtful teacher. I already had some experience in green woodworking and Andy was able to pitch his guidance just right for me so that I was able to learn valuable new techniques leading on from my current skills and knowledge. I camped on site for the duration and this was also a wonderful experience set right in the woods with rustic but beautifully effective facilities. A hearty lunch was provided each day and I had free use of the woodland kitchen for my other meals which was great. I came home with a beautiful and well made chair entirely sourced from the woods in which I slept. Amazing. Thanks Andy and Jane."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Rob, for that very full and enthusiastic review, and we're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Ben webb reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Amazing course, with great expertise and teaching skills by Andy, friendly and informative throughout in a beautiful peaceful location. Without a doubt I will be booking again in the future, can’t recommend enough."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks Ben, for your review, and we're glad that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We're looking forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood again before long."

Clive Walker reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I had seen the Kuksas on a visit to Oslo so it was a nice surprise to receive the course from my daughters as a Christmas present. I'd done a little carving before but this was in a different league..... I needn't have worried. From the outset, the five of us on the course were made to feel at ease as Andy explained the philosophy of the Sallerton Wood project and took us through the stages of making our Kuksa from cross cutting a large alder log to forming the blank and then finally carving the finished cup. The skills used along the way were extensive and developed a keen appreciation of the material and how it changes during the processes used as well as fine tuning our manual skills where a surprising degree of dexterity was required. I cannot speak highly enough of Andy's obvious love of the environment, his enthusiasm for his art and also his skill and patience as a tutor, knowing when to offer a suggestion or advice whilst always leaving you feeling that you had ownership of your own work. As a place to experience Green Woodworking, Sallerton Wood is ideal. The ten acres of sensitively managed deciduous woodland provide the raw materials whilst Andy, Jane, Alan and friends have created a working environment designed to allow the courses to function regardless of the weather all backed up by excellent woodland facilities. Browse the website and see the smiles on the faces - then sign up for your own course. You will not be disappointed."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your review, Clive, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the course. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again one day."

Trevor Hayes reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"What a brilliant day from start to finish. We were welcomed with hot drinks and biscuits followed by an introduction to the day and from then on it just got better. I was expecting to make one item with a bit of help but actually we ended up by making three utilising various woodland tools that I had never used before. Andy was excellent throughout giving his time, knowledge and attention to everyone. We had a great lunch and time to take in the beautiful woodland setting, the sun was shining and the bluebells in bloom plus a stream running alongside the workshop area what more could you ask for? I would highly recommend this one-day workshop, it made us aware of safety aspects when using cutting tools and gave us the opportunity of working with a cross-cut saw, carving axe, draw-knife, froes, the shave horse and even the pole lathe all in the course of a day! Plus you get to take home everything that you have made, fantastic."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your review, Trevor, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the course, and the environment in which the courses take place."

James Roper reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the course having had very limited experience of working with green wood. This was a fantastic course set in a picture perfect setting. Andy is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher with a lot of patience. I had a great day learning about the different types of trees and using the tools to shape the wood. I was very pleased that even for a novice like myself I came away with a decent mallet and spatula as well as having a go on a pole lathe! I would highly recommend this course and I’m now planning to attend another."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words about the course, James, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back for another course in the future. Don't forget to request the Return Booking discount when you book!"

John Rogers reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I have only done one review of a course run by Andy Morton, a Chair making course, I have actually done five courses. 1st stool making, 2nd Chair making, 3rd Shaving horse making, 4th another Chair making and most recently a Kuksa making course. The course its self was run over two days which turned out to be just the right amount of time to complete it. This is a bit different than the normal chair and stool making courses, there is allot of hand carving which I had never done and I wasn't sure I would be up to the task. I needn't have worried as Andy in his usual calm and easy way of explaining how to get from log to Kuksa made it a really enjoyable two days. The only thing I would advise is you take a good pair of gloves as most of the carving is done by hand with allot of pressure on the palm of you hand. A really great two days in fantastic surroundings in the heart of the Devon countryside and I now have my very own hand made Kuksa made by me. I'm sorry Andy I haven't reviewed all the courses I've done but they are all absolutely brilliant and I shall be back later next year for another chair making course, I'm hoping to get a dining set!"

Jane reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Although I've completed quite a number of greenwood projects in the past, I've done very little carving and was a little unsure how I'd get on. It proved to be the perfect way to learn the techniques of carving and how to make use of the different gouges and come away with something useful and to be proud of at the end of the two days. Most of all I enjoyed creating my Kuksa right from square one; from log form and using super-sharp hand tools in the peaceful woodland surroundings that Sallerton Wood offers, which made carving far easier and more enjoyable than I imagined!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Jane, for posting that review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the Kuksa carving. We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Steve reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Enjoyed a very pleasant weekend in the woods and came away with a substantial piece of kit and a range of skills for future use. Overall, a very generous course."

Bob reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Very satisfying learning to use new tools and techniques and being able to complete a shave horse. This will be a useful bit of kit at home to help with a number of green woodworking projects I have in mind. Andy is very patient and knowledgeable. Will consider another course in the future."