Manor Wood reviews

Matt reviewed: Winter Bushcraft Skills

"Very enjoyable and relaxing day in the woods. Despite the cold and the rain, the shelter and fire we made kept us warm and dry. I'd never done bushcraft before, but I chopped wood and learnt how to make a fire without matches or a lighter (using bark, and even a dried mushroom that has the same burning properties as charcoal). My souvenir from the day was the mighty spatula I carved out of a sycamore branch using an axe and a knife. Great antidote to city life, look forward to the spring/summer bushcraft day. Highly recommend Matt's Winter Bushcraft Skills course."

Nick reviewed: Winter Bushcraft Skills

"A really great course, Matt is very knowledgeable and keeps the day flowing well. Learnt so much in the time we had. The weather was not in our favour but it didn't affect our experience at all, Matt is well set up with multiple shelters and plenty of hot drinks to keep you warm. Looking forward to returning for another session next year."

Kim and Paige reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"I went with my granddaughter. We had a fantastic morning. Matt and Emma are very good host. They were very informative and we were both pleased with our honey stirrers we made. Hope to another course soon. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Kim, thank you for such a lovely review! So glad you enjoyed the morning. Emma"

Alex Fedrick reviewed: Stool Making at Manor Wood

"Great course great teacher idea location and great weather. Really enjoyed my day planning to do some more courses with Matt"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Alex, thanks for taking the time to review! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Laura Bunnage reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"Myself and my mum attended the Willow basket weaving course with Matt and teacher Olinda. We were complete beginners but both were very welcoming and accommodating. It was a beautiful woodland setting and there was plentiful supply of hot drinks. Perfect for a November day! We had a really great time and came away with beautiful baskets. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended 😁"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Laura, thank you for the lovely review! So please you both enjoyed the day, hope to see you at Manor Wood again! Matt"

Mark reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Great time with lovely people. I would strongly recommend using them and I will be back for more course"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Mark, thank you for your lovely review! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again soon. Emma"

Josh reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"This is a great introduction into woodworking. Matt's enthusiasm and attentiveness combined with a relaxed environment and all tools being provided makes for a perfect day out, and a very handy learning opportunity!"

Josh reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"I had a fantastic time on this course!! Matt is so very clearly passionate about his work which just fully enhances him as such a great teacher and Emma was super kind and attentive, keeping us provided with drinks as needed! This combined with such a peaceful atmosphere makes for a perfect experience for those just starting out whittling, or even those more experienced looking for a relaxing couple hours :)"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Josh, thanks for leaving such a lovely review! So glad you enjoyed the session. Emma"

Susannah Poulton reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Matt is a wonderful teacher. What a great day learning to carve. It’s well worth it and a beautiful way to spend the day! "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Susannah, thanks for the lovely review! It was so nice to have you at Manor Wood, so glad you enjoyed the session. Matt"

Ian Sherwood reviewed: Craft Your Own Shave Horse

"Had a very enjoyable day in some lovely peaceful woods. Thanks so much for your helpful instruction. I learnt a lot. My new shave horse is absolutely perfect. Used it this week on a couple of spoons. Highly recommend this days course. From a wellbeing perspective this was a great stress busting day out. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Ian, thanks for taking the time to review. So glad you enjoyed the day, a great shave horse was made! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Amy H reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"This was a wonderful day spent in the woods. Lots of cups of tea and a campfire to keep warm. Lovely instructors. I highly recommend. I am looking for more courses to do in this special place at Manor Wood. What a treat to get away from everyday life and nourish body and soul in the woods. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Amy, thank you for taking the time to review! So glad you enjoyed the basket weaving, hope to see you at Manor Wood again! Matt"

Joanna D reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"Fab course, lovely location and we all came away with a basket despite most of us being beginners. A great way to learn a new skill. Would highly recommend. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Joanna, thank you for your lovely review! So glad you enjoyed the basket weaving, hope to see you at Manor Wood again! Matt"

David Jones reviewed: Craft Your Own Shave Horse

"Many thanks Matt , a superb day out in the peace and tranquility of Manor Wood. Great teaching great chat and a great finished product ….. a traditional English shave horse that will outlast me. No better way achieve what I didn’t think possible. Outstanding. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi David, thank you for taking the time to review. So pleased you enjoyed the day, it was great to have you at Manor Wood. Happy green wood working! Matt"

Eleanor reviewed: Springtime Bushcraft

"My partner and I had such a great time on this course! Matt is very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about what he does so we felt very welcome and relaxed and really enjoyed learning new skills for the day. The day goes at a good pace, with plenty of time to learn and practice and also have a good cup of tea round the fire. Highly recommend booking onto this course, no doubt we'll be booking onto something else soon. Thanks again!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Eleanor, thanks for taking the time to review! Glad you enjoyed the day, hope to see you both again at Manor Wood. Matt"

June Willey reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"My sister and I attended this course as a birthday treat and we traveled quite a long way to attend. I have mixed feelings about the day. The setting was fabulous I chose it because it was outside in a forest setting and that didn’t disappoint. Beautiful surroundings with a camp fire on constantly where the kettle was boiled for tea and coffee. The day was full on and although we both made quite a nice basket, it was not like the basket we set out to make, it was unfinished. It didn’t have a handle and wasn’t as tall as the example. I think Olinda was lovely and tried very hard to help us all but with 7 people making a basket and the majority of these were beginners her time was spread thinly. So when people required assistance this sometimes meant you had to wait for lengthy periods of time, in particular near the end of the day when the final border was required. I am still not sure how to do the border but I have some knowledge for further learning. I would still recommend this course you will make a basket you can take away and have some knowledge to progress. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi June, Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the woodland setting, and we’ve taken your comments on board to ensure we can offer more support in future sessions. Matt and Emma"

Amber reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Really wonderful day spent in the woods learning about green woodworking. Matt is one of the nicest teachers you could ever hope to meet and clearly so passionate about what he does and sharing that knowledge with others. Thank you so much for a great day! :) "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Amber! Thank you for your lovely review, so pleased you enjoyed the course. It was lovely to meet you and hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Sarah S reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"A lovely day basket weaving in the woods in autumn sun. Sheer joy! Manor woods was a relaxed setting for this helpful basket weaving course. It was well lead and paced to suit our needs. Everything we needed was provided. The set up of the site is amazing. I left with a completed basket and a sense of achievement. Thank you Matt and team. I would happily book on another Manor wood course. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you for your review! So glad you enjoyed the course, hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Emma"

Jane Ritson reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"Absolutely wonderful, the course is fantastic, and the people running it are an absolute delight, fantastic peaceful surroundings with a lovely camp fire and cups of coffee and tea always at hand, coming back next month place already booked. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Jane, thanks for your lovely review- it was great to meet you. See you next month! Emma"

Abi reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Such a nice and relaxing way to spend a Saturday. Matt was super accommodating and a great teacher. Thank you! "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Abi, thank you for your review! So pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Matt"

Peter Howell-Jones reviewed: Craft Your Own Shave Horse

"Had a great day with Matt on this 'make your own shave horse' course – it was excellent. Matt is such an encouraging and supportive teacher. My confidence working with unfamiliar tools grew enormously as the day went on, so much so that I came away with a rather splendid shave horse! Everything about the day was splendid and worked well - the arrangements prior to the day, timings on the day, the venue was inspiring, and Matt makes a great cuppa! I have now hesitation encouraging others to give it a try. No matter what your skill level Matt will guide you throughout your day and help you leave believing you could really make this your number one hobby! Thanks Matt for a great experience. Now to buy my own tools … "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Peter, thank you for your lovely review! It was great to have you at Manor Wood, so glad you enjoyed the course, looking forward to seeing what you create at home! Hope to see you again, Matt"

Katherine reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable day, in a beautiful location, and with a great group of people. Matt and Emma were so welcoming and knowledgeable, I had no prior experience but Matt took us through step by step to teach us all the skills we needed. Highly recommend!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Katherine, thank you for your lovely review! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Emma"

Rob reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"I had a fantastic couple of hours doing with course with Matt, he was a great teacher who explained the tools and techniques perfectly. I will definitely be coming back to keep learning! "

Judy reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"I had an absolute blast learning willow weaving with Olinda! She's a gifted instructor who breaks down complex techniques into meditative, easy-to-follow steps. The peaceful setting of Matt's woodland was the perfect backdrop for this creative journey. Olinda's patience and expertise made me feel confident and inspired – I couldn't recommend this course more!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Judy, thanks for taking the time to review! So glad you enjoyed the course, hope to see you at Manor Wood again! Matt"

Sophie Davis reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"This was such an enjoyable day thanks to our wonderful teacher, Olinda. It was easy to follow her instructions and she gave extra support through the tricky steps. I would definitely come to another one of Olinda's willow weaving weaving courses."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Sophie, thanks for the review! So glad you enjoyed the course. Matt"

Clair reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"Such an amazing day! Olinda is a wonderful teacher making quite a tricky skill into a truly mindful activity. If you have ever wanted to try willow weaving this is the course for you! Thank you to Matt for hosting in his beautiful woodland. Thank you Olinda for teaching me a skill I have always wanted to learn. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Clair, thanks for the review! So glad you enjoyed the course. Matt"