Greenwood Days reviews

Victoria reviewed: Willow hurdle making at Greenwood Days

"What a lovely day outdoors under the forest shelter off grid getting creative. Excellent tutor, beautiful location, delicious lunch, lots of laughs. We learned loads as total beginners, came away with fab willow hurdles and hope to return for more classes. Alistair and Peter are so lovely, welcoming and the place has such a great vibe. Highly recommend."

Jon Walker reviewed: Hazel hurdle making at Greenwood Days

"Lovely location, a warm welcome, friendly expert tuition, delicious lunch and plenty of tea and biscuits throughout the day, and a decent hazel hurdle to take home with me. An all round great experience. Thank you"

Julie Grainger reviewed: Willow hurdle making at Greenwood Days

"Thank you for a lovely hurdle making day Alistair. The instructions were clear, the resources were plentiful, the setting was fabulous and I met some really interesting and funny people. Oh and a good supply of hot drinks and soup :)"

Will reviewed: Coracle making at Greenwood Days

"A brilliant course. Kevin was a great tutor - friendly, clear, supportive and let the attendees gain skills. The resulting coracle is a thing of such delight, surprisingly strong, and surprisingly large. You might need to strap it to the roof of your car unless you drive a van! The location was great, interesting, dry, well run, with great home made soup and bread and loads of tea and coffee. A great couple of days, highly recommended."

Julian Neary reviewed: Hazel hurdle making at Greenwood Days

"Alister was a brilliant knowledgeable instructor and both Peter and Alister were friendly and made the day a perfect experience. I would highly recommend this course. I will definitely be booking another course. "

Jean reviewed: Willow hurdle making at Greenwood Days

"I found the day making a hurdle informative and enjoyable. Anthony answered our questions thoughtfully and with enthusiasm. Despite the rain we kept dry and comfortable under the spacious cover. The soup was excellent! "

ChrisE reviewed: Bowl turning pole lathe at Greenwood Days

"Had a really lovely day on this course. Great location in the woods, especially on a hot day. Ade, the tutor, had a real passion for the subject and really knew his stuff. Made it look so easy but it was pretty mind bending trying to get the right bit of the chisel cutting. Completed a reasonable bowl, well it will hold cornflakes what more can you demand of a bowl! I would definitely recommend this for anyone wanting an intro to pole lathing."

Ian Franks reviewed: Seven day Windsor chair-making at Greenwood Days

"Just completed the 7 day Windsor Chair making course (June 2022). I have done a number of different courses at Greenwood days and Peter and his tutors always strive to ensure that individuals of whatever skill level, have an enjoyable experience. This course is no exception, from log to chair Peter was on hand to guide us through the delicate use of Axe, Adze, Shave horse and Pole lathe, and Steam bending,as well as the different knives and chisels that were required. In addition he once again wowed us with his home made bread and soup lunches. At the end of 7 days of hard but very enjoyable work we had all acquired new skills and created our own unique Windsor Chair. Thank you Peter."

Sue reviewed: Fan bird carving at Greenwood Days

"An excellent day of learning a new skill! Really clearly taught us how to make fan birds. I thought it was going to be really hard to do but careful well paced and fun instructions allowed me to exceed my goals! Great day in a lovely setting."

Greenwood Days responded:

"Thanks Sue, great to have you out on the course. Great fan birds!"

Janet Wood reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"I had a very enjoyable day on a willow weaving coursed with Greenwood Days yesterday. I'm very proud of the two large willow obelisks I constructed; my family, who gave me the craft courses voucher, were very impressed with my efforts. Eddie was an excellent tutor and the course was conducted in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, in the woodland setting, with the sun shining, the birds singing and a "brew" regularly in the pot. Not only do I have my lovely obelisks but I have learnt techniques which I am looking forward to using at home to make simple perennial supports."

Susie J. Gray reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"I had planned another very short visit to my beloved England this past Autumn, and was thrilled to be able to attend Tom Hares willow sculpture course at Greenwood Days. Since I was traveling from the US, and using only public transport in the UK, I needed assistance in getting to the woodland. Peter was a very gracious host, in helping me make plans, in collecting me from a nearby bus stop, and in providing a lovely woodland classroom environment and delicious hot soup and bread for lunch each day! A willow weaver myself, I have been an admirer of Toms work since 2011 when I first visited Wakehurst Place. To say I was thrilled to attend is an understatement. It was a dream come true. I found Tom to be very generous tutor, answering all my questions thoroughly, offering encouragement and sharing the specific details and methods for the very unique weaving style he has developed in his sculptural work over the years. I learned so much and am now attempting to incorporate what I learned in my own practice here in Vermont, USA. My classmates were three very lovely ladies about my age. I enjoyed their company immensely, the cups of tea and cake, a tour of the local area and a heaping dose of good conversation and laughter. I hope we are all able to follow thru on having a reunion for another course at Greenwood Days in a year or two! My experience at Greenwood Days was first rate, in every way. I highly recommend this venue to anyone considering attending a course"

Val canty reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"Willow weaving course with partner and best friend - a lovely adventure in the woods - a wonderful way to spend a day !!"

Helen Twite reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"I attended the beginners basket weaving class in July 2016; arrival in this beautiful and peaceful location got us all in the mood for 2 days’ of focussed but relaxed apprenticeship in the amazing art of basketry. Through practical application, a small class got to grips with the basics of willow weaving, making good progress on our first basket by the end of the first day. Day 2 gave us the chance to hone our newly discovered skills on a second piece. An inspirational tutor, Tom Hare gave us the confidence to complete some genuinely useful projects as well as sharing with us some insights into his own amazing sculptures. I am reminded of the course, every time I use my baskets which take pride of place at home and I keep dropping hints to Father Christmas for the chance to attend a follow up course!"

Venetia Herzmark reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"What a lovely way of spending a week! I had never picked up a chisel, let alone a wood shaver, yet after 7 days working hard ,in a beautiful wood I have a fine windsor chair at which I stare lovingly, at the end of each day. Peter is great teacher , incredibly patient and good humoured . What he achieved with this student is quite astonishing. Add to this ,being under the trees all day, the best home made bread & soup for lunch and countless cups of tea and you have a perfect relaxing ,as well as very productive, holiday."

Derryn Snowdon reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I had been looking for a quirky kitchen high stool and couldn't find one so when I found Peter Greenwood through Art in Action festival, I approached him with my request. Peter was supportive immediately even though I was going to be doing something different to the group I joined. I had no previous experience but a lot of enthusiasm. Peter is a natural teacher with bucket loads of experience. He makes it easy to learn and can adapt to different levels of students. I had a wonderful time learning and making my high stool. Working with natural wood and tools brings us back to our essential nature and is just so good for the soul. I highly recommend this course for anyone wanting to try their hand at crafting wood and with a willingness to let go and surprise themselves!"

Helen reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I had a hugely enjoyable week on the Windsor chair making course. As a beginner I was a little apprehensive when I first arrived, but this soon passed as Peter explained each step of the process and was always on hand to help. Although it was hard work (I found muscles I never knew I had) it was also very relaxing and satisfying to take home my chair at the end of the week. In addition the woodland location is beautiful, the lunches are tasty, and there is a constant supply of coffee and biscuits. All of which make this a great course I would highly recommend."

Cari Dawson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Excellent course, the best I have been on so far, very good tutoring on a tricky design of chair! Do expect to work hard, but hugely satisfying to take home your dream chair. Lovely lunches, and most important plenty of tea and biscuits. Try a course, you will not be disappointed!"

Alistair Kirk reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Peter Wood is one of the best craft teachers I have experienced. His Windsor chair course is educational, fun and immensely satisfying. I was a little apprehensive before the course with the prospect of using "primitive" tools (pole lathe, draw knives, adze, etc.) to make the chair but with Peter's guidance and a bit of work I am extremely proud of the end result."

Alexey Janes reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been messing around on the pole lathe for many a year but never got round to actually making a full Windsor chair. I visited Greenwood Days about 3 years ago on the day of a sharpening course and was immediately impressed by Peter and his facilities. I came all the way from Northern Ireland special to attend Peters 7 day Windsor Chair course because of how highly I rated his knowledge skills and experience. I am so glad with the whole experience and the chair I made is now proudly housed in my brother's sitting room in London. I waited 15 years to actually go on a proper Greenwood chair making course, if you have an interest then don't make the mistake I did in leaving it so long. Book on the course today! I couldn't speak highly enough of this course or of Peter and would recommend it to the novice, improver or expert. Alexey Janes"

Tony Hutchinson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Well where can I start My children bought this for me as a 60th birthday present. Something I have always wanted to do . Peter is a well know teacher in his craft . Peter is a very patient person as you can imagine he has some character s on his course . Set in a wonderful woodland It was also handy for me as I stayed in my camper right next to the wood , which I can Recommend Food a variety of Peters soups or his daughters, 7 days of none stop graft but the reward of making this fine Windsor chair will stay with me . I can say to my grandchildren I made that and plan to hand it down . Now looking at which course to go on with Peter again , Thanks Peter Kind regards Tony Hutchinson Stafford"

Karen Graham reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have done 3 courses with Peter including the Windsor chair-making and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. My chair now has pride of place at the head or our dining table and is admired by everyone who visits. Peter is a great tutor who passes on his knowledge in friendly and accessible way, without any fuss. I have been able to use the skills he taught me on other projects. The environment of the workshop in the woodland setting is lovely and Peter's wonderful home-made bread and soup lunches are memorable too. I intend to return to learn more."

Jen Woodhead reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"I have completed two willow weaving courses at Greenwood Days, a basic course and willow sculpture. Both very different, with different tutors, but both really enjoyable. The tutors are very experienced, the things I have created are wonderful and the groups have been really friendly. Peter's hospitality is exceptional, as are the woodland surroundings. I will be booking more courses this year!"

Hugh Davis reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"It was everything I expected. I came away with a chair that is not only usable but of which I am actually very proud. You work in the outdoors (under cover if it rains), which is tremendous, and everything is provided (although bring your own pencil, as they vanish constantly). I hadn't appreciated how different working with greenwood is from the woodwork I'd done before, so that was interesting. Whether you've done courses like this before (as most of those I was with had) or it's something completely different (like me), I'd really recommend it."

Tim Coles reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I'd recommend Greenwood days to anyone with an interest in woodland crafts; Peter runs a variety of courses from shorter 'taster' events right up to week long chair making courses. During my week making a child's chair, other people made a stool (over a weekend), or even turned their hand to using scythe. Courses take place in the woods near Melbourne with tools, lathes and seating under canvas shelters. A wood fire burns all day for tea, coffee, warming soup and, of course, heating water for steam bending. Peter is an excellent, enthusiastic, tutor and he appeared to be as excited as we were when our lengths of ash were turned into legs, spindles and finally part of a complete chair."

Phil Steele reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I saw an article on Greenwood days in one of the craft magazines and the idea of getting back to basics in the woods really appealed. I booked in for the Windsor Chair course in August 2016 wondering if I would be out of my depth, Would I be able to split that log? Would I be able to operate the pole lathe? Of course I would! The clear instruction from Peter soon alleviated any fears. The week was full of fun and the learning of new skills And I took home a fantastic Windsor chair at the end of the week. The fresh bread and home made soup were delicious too. I enjoyed myself so much that I immediately followed up with Peter's sharpening course. I have already booked in for another Windsor Chair course in 2017 and also a willow weaving course for me and my daughter in 2017. This says it all."