Description
Over two days we will build a full-sized and fully functioning wood-fired cob oven. Why cob? It’s simple to build your own oven and building with cob is fun! Cob is a material with a clean conscience. Using the clay from under our feet, mixed with sand and straw, it has been a staple building material to millions across the globe for millennia. In the Americas they call it adobe. No energy-hungry cement is used in the mix, and no machinery is required for construction. This is a truly accessible and sustainable method of building that connects us to our environment, and nourishes both our soul and our body. Burning wood is a low carbon process. No fossil fuels here. Using an existing stone base at here Denmark Farm, we will build an oven by recycling the old cob, as cob is infinitely recyclable. Course dates: - Oven build – Sat 2nd and Sun 3rd May. - Firing up and pizza cooking – Sat 23rd May. Using a cob oven is a centuries-old way of baking, but wood-fired ovens are now becoming a foodie must-have. Your BBQ will gather cobwebs while you explore the delights of roasting and baking in a way that fires up your senses. Your pizzas will cook in seconds. Nothing like a cob oven for the centre of attention at a party. Everyone will want to try their hand, and will gather around the oven long into the night. A wood-fired cob oven is an ancient, simple and effective way of baking breads and roasting a myriad of dishes from across the globe. A cob oven isn’t just about pizza. You’ll be baking bread, roasting vegetables, meat, fish – the only limit is your imagination. There are a growing number of ready-made wood-fired ovens on the market, yours for around £1,500 upwards. A cob oven, however, can be hand-made for as little as £100. Matthew will show you how, covering materials, techniques and processes. This workshop will take place outdoors. Please come prepared to work outdoors with warm clothing, etc. Expect to get muddy, be prepared to get addicted to cob oven building and have heaps of fun in the process! Come back and fire the oven up on 23rd May. Once the cob oven is built, it needs time to dry before firing up, so we’ll let it rest for a couple of weeks, and then meet for the inaugural firing on Saturday 23rd May, where we will cook pizzas for lunch and discuss how to get the best from a cob oven.
Duration
18 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Denmark Farm Conservation Centre is a 40 acre nature reserve managed by the charity The Shared Earth Trust. We host a range of craft, sustainable living, conservation and ecology courses with all profits ploughed back into caring for the nature and wildlife on site.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Parking provided
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Corporate days out & team building
- Suitable for beginners
- Accommodation offered
FAQs
All our courses are held at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre in Lampeter, west Wales (SA48 8JA)
There is parking on site, and the option to walk around the 40 acre nature reserve while you are here.
Yes. We offer a range of accommodation options:
* Ecolodge self-catering apartment - sleeps groups up to 14. Discounts for course participants
* Bunkhouse - dormitory style bedroom, plus access to a shared kitchen/lounge with log burner, TV and kitchen
* Campsite - Open April to September.
Please message for details.
Although dogs are very welcome around the nature reserve, we would ask you to leave your dog at home while you are here on a course as we do not allow dogs to stay in cars during workshops, and there isn't enough room to have them in the classroom.
Yes. If the carer is coming to support you on the course, but not participating, then the carer's place is free of charge.
If the carer wishes to take part, then they need to book a place on the course.
