Description
Join us in the woodland workshop to learn the art of bow making. Using ash staves harvested from the woodland, you’ll work with traditional hand tools to craft a bow that is shaped, tillered, and strung by your own hands. Along the way, you’ll pick up the skills and techniques of the bowyer, an ancient craft deeply rooted in our history and culture. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a fully working bow and the confidence to continue bow making or explore other woodland crafts. Whether you want a focused one-to-one experience or prefer learning alongside others, we offer three ways to take part: Option A : One-to-One Intensive (1 day) A private day just for you. Your stave and string will be prepared in advance so you can focus on shaping and tillering your bow with close guidance throughout. Option B : Two-Person Intensive (1 day) Bring a friend or partner for a private two-person course. As with the one-to-one, your staves and strings are ready, meaning you’ll spend the day working on the key processes of shaping and tillering. Option C : Join a group (2 days) Learn alongside up to two other participants. On this course you’ll go through the full process, roughing out your bow, making your string, shaping, and tillering. A more involved experience that takes you through every stage of bow making. Please click on all booking options to see prices. This course will be held under a large shelter but please come dressed for the weather as we will be outdoors for the whole day. No previous experience required.
What's included in the price?
Over the duration of the course we will cover: - Introduction to bow making tools and devices. - Selecting Ash wood for bow making. - Guidance on preparing bow staves. - Shaping the bow hand tools. - Instruction on how to make a 'Flemish twist' bow string. - Tillering and tuning your bow. - Testing and firing the bow in the woodland. - Hot drinks are provided, please bring a packed lunch. During our 1 day courses some parts will be provided to save time: - A pre-prepared ash bow stave ready for shaping and tillering by you. - A flemish twist bow string ready for your bow.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Manor Wood is an ancient woodland near Grafham, Cambridgeshire. We offer hands on courses and education sessions. We create a setting for all ages to connect with the natural world while managing the woodland for wildlife. Come and join us for a day playing in the woods.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- UK Holiday
- Accommodation offered
- Christmas
- Intermediate level
- Public transport
- Father's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Parking provided
- Mother's Day
