Description
Spend four days in the beautiful handmade timber frame workshop at Coppicewood College learning all the key green woodworking skills while making a shave horse. You'll take away your very own shave horse plus lots of knowledge and skills to further your journey into green woodworking. A shave horse is an integral part of green woodworking. The make-up of the shave horse requires a variety of skills which is why making one is such a great way to learn or improve the most important green woodworking skills. We only use traditional hand tools so it's a very integrated experience without any noisy power tools. Plus, go away with one of the most important bits of green wood kit to take home to get practicing and making! The workshop covers: > Theory - an introduction to green woodworking and the techniques > How to use all the key tools > How to axe down wood > How to use a draw knife > How to pole lathe > How to drill with an auger eye drill > How to make the components for and put together a shave horse > Plenty of time for Q&As Please note the workshop is 4 consecutive days: Friday 13th March - Monday 16th March 2026. Ticket sales for this workshop will stop on 6th March due to the need to source materials in advance. ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS? > This is an extremely hands on course that moves at a fair pace - some experience would be desirable but is not essential. Beginners welcome and please contact us if you have any questions of concerns. > You must be physically able to use traditional hand tools. This is physical but not strenuous work. Again, please contact us if you have any questions > Please bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen to take notes > Please wear weather appropriate clothing and study shoes (steel toe caps if you have them) and clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty! ABOUT THE VENUE & PENGELLI FOREST: We have a beautiful timber framed workshop and covered outdoor work area nestled in Pengelli Forest. The woodland plots we coppice are just a 10 minute walk from the workshop. Pengelli Forest is situated a few miles from the coast in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is a very special place. It is a 163 acre richly diverse ancient woodland, one of the largest of its type remaining in Wales. Some of the forest is thought to have been wooded since the end of the last Ice Age – 10,000 years ago! It is one of Wales’ National Nature Reserves and an important habitat for many species. It also has a long and deep history stretching centuries as a working woodland from a valuable resource for local people to timber for World War II. SLIDING SCALE TICKETS Please note we offer sliding scale tickets on an honesty basis. We offer 'Low Income' tickets for people who struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter and essential bills and/or may rely on benefits to do so. To see all ticket options click 'All booking options'
What's included in the price?
> All tools needed. > All materials needed. > You will take home the shave horse you have made. > Hot drinks.
Duration
4 days
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
We are a registered charity and small education centre dedicated to sustainable woodland management, green woodworking and woodland crafts. We are unique in that we only use traditional hand tools and are lucky enough to have a beautiful timber framed workshop set in the ancient woodland of Pengelli Forest. Our materials are provided by the forest in which we work and largely by the students on our 6 month LANTRA accredited Woodland Skills Course. We provide in-depth and considerate learning at a pace which allows real understanding and skill development. We weave together theory, practical skills and preparation for employment opportunities. We are a friendly bunch of people who have been bringing together learners, volunteers, stewards and general tree and craft lovers for almost 20 years!
Suitable for
- Adults
- Suitable for beginners
- Intermediate level
FAQs
Most of our workshops, courses and events are tailored at the beginner to intermediate level. However, there may be some requirements around experience or physical ability so please check the event details for full information. If you're unsure about anything then please feel free to contact us via the 'message the tutor' button.
Each workshop/event has different needs. Please check the event details and emails for the full information. As our workshop is set in Pengelli Wood and has no road access, it's good to assume you will need sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing/protection and a bottle of drinking water for every course. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen if you'd like to take notes.
The postcode listed for Coppicewood College on the event won't get you to the workshop door as it is nestled in the beautiful Pengelli Wood (Pembrokeshire) without road access. To access the college, you will need to park by the entrance gate to the woods and walk approximately 5-7 mins through the woods to the workshop. We will send you more information about how to arrive once you're booked on. For now, if you Google Pengelli Wood you will be able to see where the woods are and know we are tucked away in there
