Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses reviews

5 Jul 19'

Brad Levin reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Recently had the pleasure of completing this course and Iain and David were fantastic. One hell of an experience and a beautiful blade sat proudly at home"

11 Jun 19'

Nigel reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Had a fab day from start to finish. I was worried that the course content would not cover my needs, I was wrong, All aspects of tool sharpening was covered during the day, from draw knives to super sharp chisels. The mysteries surrounding achieving a razor shaft cutting edge melted away with plain and simple techniques using basic equipment that anyone could buy without breaking the bank. Good course, learnt a a lot."

8 Jun 19'

Peter Taylor reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Really enjoyed the course, a good mix of explanation, background, and opportunity to try various sharpening techniques. The demonstrations on a wide range of participants tools was particularly useful. Time is of course short for much personal feedback when there are 9 on the course, but there were opportunities and these were greatly valued. I would encourage any future participants to bring an array of tools, much of the 'added value' was in considering some of the braod range of sharpening challenges! Thanks Dave, a great day!"

7 Jun 19'

Glynn Cooper reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Attended the course on the 6th June,lucky enough to have a great bunch of like minded course members from all walks of life. Dave and his team were very out going and shared all manner of tips. Came away with a renewed vigour to carry on with the knowledge gained from this course, may well attend other courses at this facility, keep up the good work."

6 Jun 19'

Mike Tomson reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I learnt about a wide range of tools both carpentry and green wood related. We learnt a simple and easily applicable approach to all tools which will not break the bank.. but requires practice and commitment. This was great. There were occasions when it would be helpful for the excellent facilitator to make sure that the participant does the work and he comments on ways to improve our technique. Dave saved time and got better results by doing things himself but possibly we could have learnt more by getting our hands even dirtier!."

1 Jun 19'

Nicky Robinson reviewed: Bark basketry

"I enjoyed my course with Jasper so much. He was really knowledgeable and eager to share his skills. He is a great teacher and I have recommended him to several friends already. I came away with an elm bark container that I was extremely proud of and the skills to be able to create more in the future. I will be back to take a different course later in the year."

31 May 19'

R May reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Absolutely loved this course, especially the draw horse, I could have stayed there forever. Teacher and volunteers were great, I learned loads and Ecclesall Woods is amazing. And I'm really really proud of my stool!"

29 May 19'

David Staniforth reviewed: Square Zarzo basket making

"Rachael is an amazing tutor - I have done the round Zarzo with her and would have done this course if I wasn't on holiday. She is so patient, gives time to every student and is incredibly knowledgeable about the background of this and many other baskets. I made a really great basket which my wife uses in the garden all the time (not for cheese making though which is what the basket was originally meant for)."

25 Apr 19'

Roger Marks reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"An excellent, practical, course in a splendid setting. Experienced tutor demonstrated and explained clearly and well plus volunteer helpers meant help was always available when needed. All staff friendly and enthusiastic. I felt I'd learned a lot and would do another course there."

25 Apr 19'

Mick Woodall reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"A great day learning a new skill in a delightful environment. The course was hands on from start to finish and the course tutor with 3 volunteers, along with a small class of 6 meant that everyone got the support and attention they needed."

5 Apr 19'

Marie reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I had a wonderful time on the three day green wood working course. We were blessed by a beautiful first day which made spending time in the woodland even more special. The last day, we lit a fire to keep the chill off our hands. Lovely knowledgeable people, really inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended for restbite, reguvination and sense of well being."

5 Apr 19'

Colin Merry reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I have been on a few courses of this type but this was different, the people are very helpful and patient and I was really pleased with the items I bought away and the 3 days that I spent learning some new skills. I would highly recommend spending time with these people and I will be signing up for another course. Many thanks to Dave and his Brilliant volunteers"

4 Apr 19'

Tim Hodge reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"The best fun I've had for ages. Dave and his team, Pete, Kay, Dave (#2) and Rachel were incredibly knowledgable, patient, friendly and keen to share their skills. The teapot was bottomless and the biscuit supply endless. Based in hundreds of acres of ancient woodland, the location is absolutely ideal with a cafe next door, easily accessible loos and plenty of cover if the weather should turn bad. We basked in early spring sunshine for three days and I was surprised at how quickly the time passed. We all went home clutching really useful items made using our newly-acquired skills. The course covers basic woodland management, safe tool handling and sharpening and a wealth of bodging skills. Whatever your current level of skill, I thoroughly recommend this course."

4 Apr 19'

Kim Clarke reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I attended this course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I came away with a strong desire to continue and have already downloaded plans to make my own shave horse ! Dave Jackson is a great tutor - extremely knowledgeable and very patient. I'd like to attend another of his courses in the future"

8 Mar 19'

Martin Munden reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Bladesmithing course with Dave and Ian , I was a complete noice, we were shown examples to give us an idea of what we were making. Good paced learning where a step was demo’d and then we had a go. Format worked well , having two craftsmen share their knowledge was great , they can salvage anything that goes wrong . We all produced a knife , had fun heating and hammering a bar into handle and then forming a blade , we learn news skills , had an appreciation of the furnace, working temperatures, hammering techniques . I would high recommend this course. Only recommendation is location offer more courses and opportunities for others to participate ."

8 Mar 19'

Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"Really great day, knowledgeable and friendly instructors, everything was easy to follow and I felt really confident by the end of the day in what I was doing. Only downside was that it ended! Had a blast and wouldnt hesitate to do it again!"

8 Mar 19'

Mark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"Good team of guys, with lots of valueble info . Enjoyabe day. The weather was kind."

3 Mar 19'

Robin Hollands reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"I very much enjoyed my introduction to bladesmithing today, despite the rain! We were shown how to make "Yorkshire" Viking knives, which included a fair bit of blacksmithing in the handles, as well as forging the blades themselves. The instructors were great; knowledgeable and helpful and able to fix up the various little mistakes we all made at some point. There's a lot to cover in a day and things did get a little rushed towards the end, but we all went home with unique creations, and a better appreciation of the craft. Highly recommended."

23 Nov 18'

Elaine Lowe reviewed: Rustic garden reindeer making workshop

"My husband and daughters had a lovely time together making reindeer for their respective gardens. They all enjoyed the course and came back full of enthusiasm. They said the course leader and volunteers were very helpful and they were very pleased with their reindeers and would recommend the course to others. This made an ideal present for my husband as he got time to spend with his daughters doing a fun activity and they all have a 'reindeer' to remind them of the day."

23 Nov 18'

Martyn Smith reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I was on the early November course with Steve and agree with every word he wrote. An excellent introduction to the subject, real value for money and never a dull moment. It always came as a surprise when we had to finish for the day. Many thanks to Dave and the team, I've just got myself a Kent pattern axe like the one we used on day one. Great fun and you learn a lot. Cheers."

16 Nov 18'

Chris reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"I went on the course because I wanted to understand the processes behind smelting and casting. It's given me a much greater appreciation of the amount of effort and patience that went into creating Bronze Age objects. Roger was really knowledgeable and I appreciated the way he encouraged us to just get on with it, while guiding us with each stage. I came away feeling that I'll never look at a metal object in a museum in the same way again."

16 Nov 18'

Paul KEITH reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Well run and thoroughly enjoyable"

16 Nov 18'

Pete reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Great course. Roger, the tutor, was a wealth of information and a great communicator. When we went outside he showed the way to extract the copper from the ore and turn it into metal. Then we loaded up the larger crucibles and went for the bigger casts. It was a great day with good people in a fantastic environment."

16 Nov 18'

Candice Majewski reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"This was a brilliant day! My husband and I booked it as something fun to do for a one-off, but we're already thinking about when we can come back. The instructors were clearly super-knowledgable and explained everything in a really easy to follow way. By lunchtime we'd already each made a really professional-looking hook, which was great. I'd recommend this to anyone - the course does cost a fair bit, but it's *really* worth it!"

13 Nov 18'

Steve Lewis reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"Attended this course at the beginning of November and I really enjoyed it. Dave is extremely knowledgable about his wood, his trees and the many woodworking skills and techniques to turn logs into useful items. Over the course of 3 days the four attendees made a large mallet from holly and ash; tea light holders; a spatula and a lovely rustic stool from oak, ash and hazel. We had tuition in the use of many different tools, including the shave horse, draw knife and pole lathe. Dave and his volunteer helpers, Pete, Kay and Rachel, were warm, friendly and informative people, who kept us supplied with an abundance of tea and biscuits."