Workshops in the Woods reviews

12 Jun 18'

Edd reviewed: Make a rustic four-legged jointed table - a two day course

"Really enjoyed this course and am very happy with my table. The teacher and assistants were excellent and very knowledgeable."

5 May 18'

Richard reviewed: Tool sharpening

"A very enjoyable day learning an essential skill that I just haven't got round to learning, despite its usefulness in so many crafts. The small group brought quite a selection of their own tools and Dave also demonstrated the technique for chisels, planes, spoke shaves and knives. A good bunch, pleasant surroundings and they even arranged warm, sunny weather for a Bank Holiday weekend. Who could ask for more?"

8 Apr 18'

Paul Burt reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Dave and the Team were most informative with the pace of instruction just right, interspersed with priceless Top Tips on how to make that little difference in making a walking stick that is yours. In addition to the expert tuition based on years of experience Dave readily shared his passion and subject matter expertise for the right tools for the job, of which he has a fair few, some adapted for the purpose. I came away motivated to get the garage cleared out, the workbench set up and stick making underway using the additional materials purchased on the course. My thanks to Dave and the Team for a most informative, enjoyable and productive day and to my wife Sally for purchasing the course for me as a Xmas gift. Dave a warm welcome awaits in Hampshire. Yours Gratefully Paul Burt"

6 Apr 18'

Ian Banks reviewed: Introduction to Wood Carving for Kids - one day

"This course was booked for my 13 year old daughter who suffers a bit from lack of confidence and who finds embracing new challenges head on a little intimidating. She thoroughly enjoyed the course, which gave her new skill opportunities with achivable objectives suitable to her level of understanding and ability. Courses like this should be compulsory in every school curriculum."

5 Apr 18'

Andrea Higginbottom reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Fantastic course - Nadine and Gaz were brilliant and Myles loved ever minute and is really keen to do more, they made loads of things and he is really proud of his achievements! Thank you!"

27 Mar 18'

Ronnie Smith reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Enjoyable, easy to achieve something meaningful and useful in the day. Challenging without being off-putting. Great tutor, gave good feedback and loads of genuine praise. I would highly recommend the course, the venue and the whole business model. Thanks very much."

26 Mar 18'

Mike Andrews reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Great day! I attended this course with my wife, it was really enjoyable day. The venue was great, Alistair the tutor was very knowledgeable, both me and my wife had a great time. I would definitely recommend the day."

20 Mar 18'

Richard reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"This was a most enjoyable and informative day with great group of people. The tutor was highly knowledgeable, yet the atmosphere was informal and friendly, with a like minded bunch all keen to learn. The small group of just six plus the tutor made this a great learning opportunity and all questions, basic or not were answered fully. Be prepared to take your turns on a gigantic set of bellows! You'll learn enough to gain the confidence to have a go at smelting at home without a significant outlay on equipment. This is a rare opportunity that I'd waited some time for but it was definitely worth it and I can't recommend this course highly enough."

16 Mar 18'

Andy Langley reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Fantastic day out! The instructor was thorough, patient and highly knowledgable. We spent the morning learning the process of melting down copper ore into usable metallic copper, a magical process! The afternoon was spent melting down bronze in the crucible, designing sand moulds and finally casting our own bronze axe heads. Be prepared to get involved with everything and be ready to pump those bellows! Highly recommended course."

12 Mar 18'

Yvonne Conchie reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Expert leader - an archaeologist / ancient metallurgist from Sheffield Uni. Interesting discussions and great hands-on experience smelting copper from malachite and then casting a bronze axe head. Feel confident having a go at replicating some of what I've learnt in the garden at home."

20 Nov 17'

Alison Campbell reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Fun day.People on.course friendly.Tutor was great.Very patient and helpful.Made us a lovely fire to keep us warm.Venue staff lovely and made us tea.Very inspiring.Ticked all my requirements thankyou."

28 Oct 17'

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

"3 wonderful days. Dave and his team could not have done anymore to make this course perfect. There knowledge, skill levels, enthusiasm and encouragement were outstanding. A wide range of skills learnt, both from the woodland work and the workshop. Really chuffed with my stool and the mallet is something special. Thank you. Well worth the trip from Bristol. Sheffield has lots to offer and my wife thoroughly enjoyed her stay as well, lots of places to walk."

23 Oct 17'

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

"I was really impressed with the structure of the course and how it enabled Dave to share lots of knowledge and give us great amount of time to put that into practical use. He was able to train us through demonstration and through guiding us on our application of the skills learnt. I was looking forward to making something but never expected to be able to make a stool that was solid and practical from the tree we chopped down on our first day. There was also plenty of other wood craft skills and woodland management skills to learn along with the stool making and Dave and his team were helpful and knowledgeable with all. There was also a sufficient supply of cups of tea too. This was a really good course in a great location with a highly skilled leader, thanks for making it available for people to share."

17 Oct 17'

Mike Carr reviewed: Cider making - one day workshop

"Definitely aimed at absolute beginners. Most of the day is spent processing the apples to produce the juice from which cider can be made. This is followed by a relatively short discussion about what happens subsequently to convert the juice into cider."

16 Oct 17'

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

"I havd a great few days on the introduction to woodworking course. Dave Jackson gave us every opportunity to learn by doing. The group was able to spend time in the woods learning about tree species and coppicing. I was delighted with the stool I made and had a chance to learn about sharpening my tools. I came away inspired, and believing that I can make things out of wood and deepened my love of being in woodland. Thanks to Dave and the team!"

14 Oct 17'

Kay Rooney reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"Booked this course as a birthday present for my son. Beware you may become addicted. He couldn't praise the day enough, in fact, it was hard to tear him away and he was very happy with his hook and poker. I am sure another course will be on his Christmas list as he has already been pricing up forges!"

11 Oct 17'

Joe Berry reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"Great day. Recommend to anyone. Both Tim and Phil were very informative and skilled. Felt well looked after and great value. Thanks"

11 Oct 17'

Lewis Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"We had great fun on this course and would highly recommend it. Very well run by Tim and Phil and they were both very helpful and knowledgable."

7 Oct 17'

Martin Smith reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Had a good time and came away with a stool, my 10 fingers intact and some nice memories. Get away from the rat race in the woods and make something creative."

6 Oct 17'

Kat reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"A fun and enjoyable day, in an encouraging and supportive environment. I had no prior experience with any sort of woodwork (apart from general DIY) and fancied trying something different. Dave was supportive and informative (as were the volunteers) and happy to show each of us the techniques as many times as we needed. I would have been happy coming away with one good stool leg and I surprised myself when I had a lovely, whole stool by the end of the day! I would definitely recommend this course."

5 Oct 17'

Sue Evans reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Thoroughly enjoyable day from start to finish because of the tutors, company and hands on work. Excellent tuition and support given in a relaxed manner and you come away with a lovely stool."

11 Sep 17'

Philip robinson reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Enjoyed every second of this course, it was so informative, the tutor helpful, the time just flew away. Thank you so much for a wonderful day."

10 Sep 17'

Tony Bettison reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A thoroughly enjoyable and educational day. So much information presented with a calm relaxed approach and all course members treated in a very professional and inclusive manner. The day went by a flash and yet we all came out with our completed masterpieces! It has certainly wetted my appetite and I can see myself continuing to practice the skills gained today (should my retirement from work ever happen!!) 100% recommended."

8 Sep 17'

Tracy reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Great course and great setting, would definitely recommend to others."

6 Sep 17'

Sara Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Dave introduced us gradually to the tools and the process of carving a spoon. The course was entirely structured around making it easy to carve a spoon - surprisingly difficult. I learnt a great deal from the course and will certainly be taking another wood carving course."