Blacksmithing experience workshop 11am - 12.30pm
Description
This one-and-a-half-hour session introduces the basic skills of Blacksmithing, a trade that used to be found in every village and was at the heart of countryside life for hundreds of years. During the session, you will learn about managing the forge and heating your metal to around 1200 degrees Celsius. Discover the techniques of drawing down and shaping the metal on the anvil – then bending, forming and quenching your work until it is transformed into your own unique item! Each workshop is limited to just 4 participants so that each person has their own anvil to work on throughout the session. The Blacksmithing Experience is only available on 26th June 2022 as part of a Heritage Event so places are limited. Sessions will run: 11.00am – 12.30pm (arrive 10.30am) 1.00pm – 2.30pm (arrive 12.30pm) 3.00pm – 4.30pm (arrive 2.30pm) There will be three sessions each lasting one and a half hours – we request that participants arrive half an hour early so that safety equipment can be handed out and a safety talk given. This day is suitable for everyone, as a lot of blacksmithing is about technique and making sure the steel is heated to the right temperature before working it - not about using heavy hammers and hitting the metal very hard! Participants must be over 16. The workshop will take place in our purpose built green oak Training Barn within the beautiful surroundings of the Stanwick Lakes nature reserve, in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley. Course places can be booked for one or more people depending on availability. Due to the workshops being part of an event, no cancellation or refund can be obtained.
What's included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided for the workshop and we recommend that suitable clothing and footwear are worn. The barn although ventilated does get very warm, so we suggest light clothing is worn and, for Health and Safety reasons, long hair is tied back.
Duration
1½ hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
FAQs
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
We have extensive play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore at leisure. We also have specially considered areas dedicated to nature and its wildlife, as well as the history of the site.
Parking is free for workshop attendees - please give your registration plate details to our reception staff in the Visitor Centre on the day.
Alternatively, you can become a member for just £42.00 per year, giving you free access to all our facilities for a whole year, while supporting Rockingham Forest Trust.
