Walderchain Wood reviews

12 Mar 24'

Jo reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I bought this as a gift for my wife and she said it was one of the best days of her life! Great location, pace of the course was perfect, very thorough, use of quality tools and materials, banging lunch. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. Glad to hear she enjoyed her gift of a day here so much. All the best Mark and Cristina "

11 Mar 24'

Matt reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I attended the one day spoon carving course. Can't recommend it enough. Mark and Christina were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Great fun and you get to learn a new skill and take something away to be proud of. Beautiful surroundings. The home cooked lunch is fantastic too!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your joining us and taking time to review the day. So glad you enjoyed yourself. Keep carving. All the best Mark and Cristina"

23 Oct 23'

Kim Barton reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A really fun day was had with Mark. We all learnt a great deal and left with our handmade spoons and all our fingers intact! A delicious lunch was had too. Cannot recommend this course enough, thank you x We will hopefully be back for another course in due course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Kim Thanks for joining us it was a blast. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. All the best Mark and Cristina "

21 Oct 23'

Tracey Giles reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"We can only thank Mark at walderchain for a brilliant day. With his guidance, skill and knowledge we all came away feeling confident to have another go ourselves. The day flew by, was very informative and interesting and a ‘working’ spoon achieved by us! Thank you ! "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tracey, thank you for joining us. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina "

13 Oct 23'

Josephine reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Had a brilliant time on the spoon carving course and would love to attend another one of their workshops again soon. Mark is a really engaging instructor, encouraging and has a lot of knowledge. I liked the way he taught, demonstrating and explaining each step and then letting us have a go. Felt guided but also able to make your own decisions about the tools and wood we used, spoon design, etc. I think it would be enjoyable for people that are completely new to green woodworking and also people who already have some experience. The workshop and location in the woods is a beautiful and peaceful place and it was a really idyllic setting for the activity which made the day feel so therapeutic and restorative. Also Cristina's food was delicious, homemade and homegrown and generous portions. Both Mark and Cristina are such interesting, welcoming people and all in all just had the loveliest day. Definitely inspired to keep on spoon carving. Also appreciate Mark taking the time to send some recommendations and further reading after the course, so it doesn't feel like just a one off experience but the start of learning a new skill, if you are wanting it to be. Thanks so much, really enjoyed it and will be recommending to everyone!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Josephine, Thank you for such kind words. Glad you enjoyed it so much. Do keep carving, you won't regret it. Hope to see you here again All the best Mark and Cristina"

8 Oct 23'

Paul reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Enjoyable day, great tuition, lovely food. Came home with a spoon! Would highly recommend."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Cheers Paul, glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina "

5 Sep 23'

Gillian Ely reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A cathartic, restorative and informative day. Prior to the course Mark’s email with clear instructions set a friendly, professional and minimal hassle tone which was great. A cheery greeting from Mark, Christina, Kim and the woofers before meeting other attendees, having a cuppa and listening to essential, clear safety instructions by the charcoal burning place and undercover area set up for drawing began the course. Simple pleasure of camaraderie whilst whittling bark off what was to become artists’ charcoal and benefitting from Mark’s explanation of the process, techniques and troubleshooting advice for making charcoal at home after the class was very relaxing. Kim demonstrated the mark making potential of a batch they’d got going earlier so, without any rushing, there was a harmonious flow to the morning completely in tune with the verdant quiet of the woodland. Our prepared sticks were put on to cook -Mark keeping us informed about the signs of progress - as Kim started us off with some warm up drawing exercises. These were brilliant, surprisingly meditative, informative and insightful as we drew with our eyes shut responding to the sounds, smells and sensations of the environment. Definitely an exercise to repeat in my own time as it unlocked the drawing muscles literally and as a considered beginning to looking/ sketching/ looking/ thinking/ drawing/ looking which brought out aspects of practice I hadn’t been aware of when in my studio. Fascinating and enriching to see the work, hear the thoughts of course mates - important when so much of the artistic process is solo. Glad of the forethought of Mark and Kim having a sheltered space for us as the rain threw down a challenge! The majority of the day was outside in the magic of the trees, what a privilege to enjoy that space - would happily pay to be able to draw there with Kim’s input and the outstanding hospitality of Mark and Christina. Christina deserves a category of her own in this review - she’s a talented maker in her own right (basketry) but oh my she is an alchemist in her kitchen! Lunch was divine. Dining together at the long table in the company of happy, inquisitive artists, surrounded by beautiful vegetarian food had most of us wondering how we’d focus on the afternoon- not a problem (nothing was) as Kim and Mark had us back out in the woods, seeing, drawing, really looking through new eyes. This was my first foray into a social group outside my house for any reason since a brain injury 4 years ago, I can’t put into words what this meant to be included, accepted, involved and to feel ABLE as well as unconditionally welcome. An enormous thanks to my course mates for being unfazed by my brain freezing later in the afternoon and heartfelt gratitude to Mark, Christina and Kim for their knowledge, willingness to share, encouragement and making what read as a good course description on paper into a superb experience. Looking forward to seeing what courses this trio of fine people come up with next. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Wow, what a review! Thank you. Was a pleasure to meet you and am bowled over by how you felt about your day with us. Until the next time All the best Mark, Cristina and Kim "

5 Sep 23'

Pat reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I very much enjoyed the course with Mark on carving wooden spoons. His instructions on how to use axes and very sharp knives were essential and very useful. My very first wooden spoon wasn’t too bad. The venue in the woods was magical and the lunch was delicious. Thank you for a lovely day."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Pat Thank you for the review. So glad to hear the day was good for you. All the best Mark and Cristina"

2 Sep 23'

Jon Millward reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"An excellent day, really enjoyable. Mark is a great teacher and had unlimited patience. Have already started my next carving project. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Jon Thank you for joining us, glad you had a good day here. Keep up the good work Mark and Cristina"

2 Sep 23'

Tara reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Thanks so much for a great day of woodwork. My 13 year old son and I loved the day of axe skills, woodwork and more. Delicious rustic lunch and a gorgeous setting in the woods. Would highly recommend to teens and adults !! "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tara Lovely to meet you both. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

23 Aug 23'

Deb Jackson reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Wonderful day out in the woods, the charcoal we made seems to have such a very special quality. Great to have all the tips, gained from Mark's personal experience on charcoal making at home & avoiding any pitfalls. Then Kim's insights on using the stuff, & approaches to drawing trees. Fortified by Cristina's lovely homemade soup & cake. All in such a wonderful setting. Thank you all. Deb"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Deb, thank you for leaving a review of the recent class. Glad to hear you enjoyed the session here. All the best Mark, Cristina and Kim"

22 Aug 23'

Annie Michie reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Thank you so much, Mark, Kim and Christina, for a wonderful day in the woods. I arrived, somewhat stressed from a certain situation and felt happily embraced by the tranquility of this very special location and by the warmth of the course leaders and fellow participants. Whittling wood together round the charcoal burner, trying drawing techniques which were either new to me, or out of my regular comfort zone, leading me to come away feeling that existing skills had been extended or reinforced. Friendly chats, fascinating stories told by fellow artists, all lead by the thoroughly knowledgeable and experienced course teachers- Kim and Mark. Nourished with a hearty lunch by Christina. What more to add, so glad to have met you all, hope we stay in touch. Great day, thank you so much!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Annie, wow such praise! Thank you. Glad you got so much from the class. All the best Mark, Cristina and Kim"

18 Aug 23'

Cally reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A wonderful day! Beautiful woods. Wonderful Kim. Gorgeous soup and cake. Thank you Mark, Kim and Cristina. X"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Cally, thank you for joining us, glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you back here. All the best Mark"

27 Jul 23'

Buffy Tucker reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Peaceful day in the woods...primarily to understand how charcoal is made for drawing. I love drawing with charcoal, it's so versatile for expressing light, dark, subtlety...you can rub it back and rework and also emphasise line and tones as you wish. I had no idea I could make enough for my own use at my own home, and good enough quality. It's quite a mindful experience, as we also become attuned to the life of the birds and creatures around us. Mark is so informative about raptors in the sky above us, and the life beneath our feet too. The process of charcoal making is explained....the need to exclude oxygen, the timing, etc. The excellent tutoring by Kim allows all to experiment with mark-making if you need further familiarity with this medium. And invaluably, she helped us find a way into producing a drawing....what do you exclude, what direction do you take, what do you work into? Cristina's wonderful veggie food was most welcome and absolutely was perfect for what we needed...and it's a social experience, forged between likeminded people. Totally worth it. If you haven't sat in the woods lately under an amazing parachute canopy and gone home smelling of delicious woodsmoke, do it. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Buffy Thank you for your lovely review. Glad you enjoyed the day and got so much from in it. All the best Mark"

10 Jul 23'

Hannah reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was my second class with Mark, having attended a class last year. I had a great time and felt that the class was as good, if not better than last year. Mark is a patient and thoughtful teacher and the location really grounds the idea of working with green wood and taking time to focus. Cristine's lunch was incredible (as it was last year) and the group was small enough for Mark to focus on each of us. I highly recommend this class!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah Thank you for joining us again and for your glowing review. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

8 Jul 23'

Jono reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Fantastic experience! Mark was very welcoming and knowledgeable helping each of us to achieve a finished spoon. We enjoyed a delicious, homemade lunch by Mark's partner Cristine and welcomed in to their home. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try something new or people looking to improve their woodworking skills"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Jono, Thank you for joining us and for your review. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

16 Jun 23'

AdrienneB reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

" I attended a Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury with my teenage son. We both enjoyed the day immensely. Mark is very knowledgeable and personable. He managed the expectations of everyone on the course and tailored the day to suit all students. Lunch is served which was homemade and delicious. We both left the day with a wooden spoon and will definitely be returning. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Adrienne Thank you for the review. Glad you both enjoyed the day. Look forward to seeing you back here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

11 Jun 23'

Daniel reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Wonderful day. I learned so much about the wood and the tools, and how not to lose a digit… I’ll definitely be using the skills I learnt. Magical setting in the gorgeous woods, too. Mark and Christina were very hospitable. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Daniel, Thank you for joining us and glad to hear you got so much from the day. All the best MArk and Cristina"

4 Jun 23'

Tom Gibbs reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Really fantastic day learning how to carve our spoons from green wood in a beautiful setting. Mark was an excellent teacher, very patient and clear with his instructions, I'd highly recommend for anybody interested in all things wood and natural!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tom, thank you for taking time to review the class. Glad to hear you had a good day. All the best Mark"

28 May 23'

Neil reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Great day and learnt a lot from Mark. The woodland setting is beautiful and the course is taught in straightforward and friendly way. Thinking about taking this course? Do it!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Neil Thank you for your review. Glad you got so much from your day here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

2 May 23'

elizabeth mavor reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Enjoyable, full day making spoons using axes and knives. Learning how to use a axe to split a log and slowly but surely make the spoon that’s hidden inside. Lovely venue in peaceful bluebell woods . "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed your time here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

27 Apr 23'

Will Johnson reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Really good course, Mark and Christina were very welcoming. I was very pleased with my finished spoon."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thanks for the review Will. Glad you enjoyed it. ATB Mark and Cristina"

19 Apr 23'

Linda Thackeray reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. Mark was very interesting and informative and we all came away with a hand carved spoon axed from a log! Christine fed us very well and I enjoyed the walk through the woods. I would recommend this course if you are looking for an interesting and rewarding day out. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Linda Pleasure to meet you and glad you enjoyed the day. I look forward to seeing your future creations. ATB Mark and Cristina"

17 Jul 22'

Simon Wake reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I would just like to say what a wonderful day I had at Walderchain Wood. Mark is a very knowledgeable person in every aspect of the spoon carving/whittling processes and knows what types of wood to be using for different applications. The small group of us were lucky enough to have a tour of the woodland areas explaining different aspects of keeping and maintaining the woods. The course itself was very in depth and Mark explained every aspect very clearly, going through how to use each tool efficiently and safely. I will be using the skills I learned in the future to make more spoons. I cannot recommend enough if you want to reconnect with nature and have a great day spoon carving. P.S Thanks Christina for a lovely lunch :)"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed the day and to hear you'll be making more spoons. I look forward to seeing your future creations. All the best Mark and Cristina "

4 Jul 22'

Claire reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A deeply fulfilling day in wonderful surroundings and I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience for anyone and all ages! It left me feeling that it’s definitely the start of a new historical craft appreciation chapter. Many thanks, Mark for sharing and Cristina for an amazing lunch and welcome."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Claire, Thank you for joining us and your review. I'm flattered to hear you had such a profound experience :) All the best Mark and Cristina"