Walderchain Wood reviews

Martin reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Secluded wood, 50 mph winds with strangers euipped with axes and knives. Not a horror story but just a great day of spoon carving with Mark Saich. Course moved into the barn with a wood burner. Mark is an excellent tutor allowing the delegates to get on with their spoon. Clear explanations and always emphasising the safety aspects of using the various tools. Mark was also very mindful of covid regulations. No hesitation in recommending this course to anyone who is interested in working with greenwood or just looking for a new hobby that allows you to unwind. Cristina provided an excellent lunch, thank you."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Martin Thank you for taking the time to review the class. It was a bit breezy wasn't it. Glad you enjoyed the day. Keep up the good work and hope you're getting some use of your new tools. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Katherine Trotter reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I really enjoyed this spoon carving day course. Mark the instructor is a wealth of knowledge on the subject and I had a great day. Would recommend and do it again. All the best from Kat Trotter"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Katherine, thank you for joining us and glad you had a great day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Lynn and Chris reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Fantastic course in a beautiful place with excellent tuition. Mark is a very experienced and attentive teacher with a real passion for his craft. As beginners, for us it was an excellent introduction to using a range of tools and working with greenwood. Lunch was delicious. We came away very inspired to do more. Would highly recommend. Lynn and Chris"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hi, thank you for joining us and glad to hear you enjoyed the day. Hopefully you'll be viewing the branches in a slightly different way when you are on your woodland walks... Keep at it you both made great spoons. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Liam reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Both myself and my girlfriend had an an amazing day carving spoons with Mark. It was both our first time trying this out and we fell in love with it!! Everything was very well organised, professional and very safe. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience a rewarding activity. We hope to go back ASAP!!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Liam Thank you for the review. Happy to hear you both enjoyed the day and that you're up for more. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Louise reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I spent a wonderful day in Walderchain Woods with my dad, learning to carve spoons. Mark was a fantastic host and led the day with just the right mix of safety warnings (axes/knives....!) and chilled attitude. We learnt some tricks and tips. A delicious, warming, homemade soup was just the ticket at lunchtime (thanks to Mark’s wife), along with a very tasty cake! I can’t recommend this course highly enough, it was absolutely fabulous- we all came away with all the fingers we had arrived with and with a newly crafted spoon each! We’ll be back again in the future, that’s for sure."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Louise Thank you for the kind words. Glad you both had such a good day. Look forward to seeing you back here and good luck with the forest school. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Julie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Sooky and I went and spent a lovely day with Mark amongst the glorious bluebell wood setting. We both came away with all our fingers, two spoons and an insight into axe crafting. The day was paced beautifully,informative and Covid aware. Mark was a great instructor,and had patience with our lack of skill with an axe or blade, and Christina's food delicious, and we also had the company of Ted the dog. Would highly recommend this day to friends and family."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for review. Glad you both enjoyed it. It was a great day and group - especially when the rain blew away. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Blaise reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My partner surprised me with this course for my birthday and we had a phenomenal time crafting in Mark’s magical woodland! Mark is a highly knowledgeable and engaging instructor who made learning proper axe and knife skills fun. His teachings coupled with Christina’s scrumptious homemade soup and cake made for a marvelous day. Can’t recommend this course enough!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Blaise, Thank you for taking time to review the class. Glad to hear you had a good time. It was a great spoon by the way. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Greg reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"It was my second trip to Mark and Cristina's in Walderchain Wood. Had another great day. A day in the woods with Mark and a handful of like-minded souls was just what I needed at what is hopefully the end of lockdown. If you have any interest in this kind of thing please just book and go. You'll have a great day. Great instruction and a lovely lunch from very kind lovely people."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Greg Nice to see you again and glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Chris reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My wife brought me the course as a Christmas present. I had an absolutely brilliant day - thanks to you Mark and Jill for your great teaching and super hospitality. I'd love to repeat the day or a parallel course when one is available! I'll lobby my wife! For everyone else, this course could be for you - that is, ; if you'd like to learn how to safely use woodcarving axes and knives; learn about wood; spend the day away from your work and focus on something else; oh, and to make your own spoon !"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Chris Thank you for your review. Great to hear you enjoyed the day. Do come back for another session. There are a few places left in the autumn and next year I should have extra dates and new classes. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Adrian Joy reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Fantastic day. Been looking forward to it since my wife gave the day as a gift. We were lucky with the weather, Mark was a great teacher, showing every step of the way with a good range of tools to test / try. I can’t recommend this course enough. I want more!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Adrian, Thank you for the review. Glad you enjoyed the day and found it useful. Do come back for more :) Mark"

James Bellinger reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Really good day out. Excellent instructions and genuine hands on experience from log to spoon. Really fun and would recommend."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark"

Diego reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Excellent day at Walderchain Woods, everything was explained well, great tools and environment to do the course. Strongly recommend."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. It was a great day, glad you enjoyed it. ATB Mark"

Kate Barnett reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I booked the course as an anniversary present for my husband and I. We had an absolutely fabulous day out in the woods spending some quality time together! Mark and Jill are brilliant teachers, sharing their skill and knowledge. We had a great time picking up a new craft surprisingly quickly! We both headed home with spoons to be proud of and all of our fingers still in place! The food was lovely, the setting authentic and the company friendly! Brilliant day! Would recommend to anyone!!"

Luke Johnston-Smith reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"The day was fantastic and the team were brilliant. I have not only gone out and bought my own axe and bits but have treated my brothers to the same fun. Wonderfully relaxing and a great environment. Thanks to all the team."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Luke Thank you for your review, glad you enjoyed the day and have caught the bug... Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labours... ATB Mark, Cristina and Jill"

Aileen Rowe reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I purchased this as a gift for myself, and could not have made a better choice. The venue is is beautiful and very relaxing. Mark and Jill are very friendly, welcoming and generous with their instruction and advice. The whole day was one to remember. I have learnt a set of new skills, and have the confidence now to continue independently. I highly recommend this course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Aileen, Thank you for taking the time to review the class. We're glad you got so much out of the day. Looking forward to seeing your next spoons. Have fun. ATB Mark, Cristina and Jill"

Ben Glazebrook reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"An absolutely brilliant day! My wife bought me this as a birthday gift and it was without doubt my favourite present in 34 years. The location is naturally really beautiful, and what Mark has done there serves to accentuate the surrounding environment. We spent the whole day learning around a campfire, under the canopy of a parachute that is nestled within a woodblock - I felt completely detached (in a good way) and de-stressed shortly after arriving. You couldn't ask for better instruction. Both Mark and Jill are incredibly talented, very personable and great teachers. The whole day was well paced, low pressure, fun and enjoyable, while still being highly productive. The training on the day, the advice given and the follow up information also set you in a great place to carry on spoon carving on your own. I must also mention lunch - a lovely home cooked meal, enjoyed around the table in Mark's home. Absolutely delicious and great of them to cater for me as a vegan. I can't rate this course highly enough! Ben"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Ben, Thank you for such a nice review. It was a great day spent with lovely people, so glad you enjoyed the day. ATB Mark, Cristina and Jill"

Fiona reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I bought this as a present for my husband, Kevin. We both had a great time. The location makes for a special setting to learn wood carving. Mark was very good and very generous with his knowledge. He was patient throughout and ensured everyone had something resembling a spoon at the end of the day. There was something very restful about working in the woods and all you could hear was the tools tapping on wood. With the smell of wood smoke coming from the fire pit (on which your elevenses was brewed) just added to the whole atmosphere. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning how to wood carve."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Fiona, Thank you for your review. We're glad you both enjoyed your day here and that Kevin is keen to continue with the spoon carving. Maybe we'll see you back here sometime. ATB Mark"

Greg Shimmin reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I had a brilliant day and can't recommend this enough. Mark and Christina are great hosts. You learn so much in a fantastic setting. Mark knows his stuff and passes it on in a very relaxed but informed way. Lunch was brilliant too. I loved it. If you've any interest in this kind of thing just book it. You won't be disappointed."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Greg Thank you for your review and so glad you enjoyed your day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Tony reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My son, his partner, my best friend and me all have a birthday within a couple of weeks of each other, what better way to celebrate than spending a day in the woods with Mark and Christina learning to carve spoons. They are wonderful hosts. The course is very gentle and Mark's is a brilliant teacher. It was nice to meet the other carvers, the food was delicious... And we made some surprisingly reasonable spoons. We would all come back again and thoroughly recommend Walderchain Woods."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tony Glad to hear you all enjoyed the class. It was a lovely day and group did great. Hope to see you here again.. ATB Mark"

Hatty reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Some friends arranged for my husband and I to participate on this course as a wedding present. We went as a four, without much expectation nor any experience in carving wood..and we had the most amazing day! It was a brilliant gift idea, extremely therapeutic, satisfying and fun to do with good friends in an incredible setting. Mark is a fantastic teacher. He is calm, patient, very knowledgable yet relatable. He really encouraged us to become confident with our equipment, and each one of us made a beautiful hand carved wooden spoon as a result! Cristina was also warm and welcoming, and made us a delicious lunch during our midday break. Walderchain Wood is a beautiful, natural environment where the birds sing and the leaves are green. I couldn't recommend more. 5 stars!"

Dan Emmerson reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a great experience! Mark was a very attentive and patient teacher, we came away from the course having gained many transferable craft techniques. The 'king' provided was absolutely delicious, with lots of fresh produce and a cake! Would highly highly recommend to anyone! 10/10"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Dan, thank you for the review. The day was a blast, I had a wonderful time. You all made great spoons. Long live the king ;)"

Isabelle Sporidis reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"You guys! I nearly cried. Not because I was sad but because you actually helped me get over my fear of very sharp pointy knives. So if you think you are too weedy to handle a whacking great axe or deal with sharp tools - think again. I have a genuine phobia and the patience and care I was shown was worth 3 years of therapy! I also made a pretty nifty spoon and enjoyed a hilarious lunch with fellow spooners. You only get nice people doing this course. You will make a spoon. You will have fun. What's not to like?"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Isobelle, now you have got a 'handle' on the blades there will be no stopping you! Great to have have you here and glad you got so much out of the day. ATB Mark"

Iain Sutherland reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A very enjoyable day, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The instructions were clear, concise and to the point. I feel it is necessary to have reasonable manual dexterity to get the most out of the day."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the day. You're right a reasonable level of manual dexterity is required but no super human skill or energy... ATB Mark"

Luke Mansell reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Right - I am reviewing this course having accidentally (and independently) decided to try spoon carving. I had already watched loads of YouTube videos on the subject and already purchased a basic tool-set; I had even beaten a couple of spoons into existence.... Luckily, I was still conscious enough to realise that I might not know everything about the subject and signed up for this course - and thank goodness I did. The setting is beautiful and entirely conducive to the job in hand (for an absolute beginner (which I really am) or someone pretending to have a clue (which I was). Mark and Jill are: a) lovely people, b) deeply, deeply knowledgeable and committed to the whole green woodworking movement/spoon-carving thing and c) lovely, lovely people - and I thank them both for a fantastic day from which I gained new knowledge and an affirmation that I had connected with something that is important and, for me, a grounding experience. If you have just fallen in love and want to share an amazing experience or if you are bored, lonely, frustrated and have indigestion or if you are young, old or anywhere in-between or, like me, just want to learn - do this course! If you only enjoy the walk in the wood and the veggie soup it will be money well spent; but I guarantee you will get much, much more from the day - thank you Mark and Jill !! Luke x"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Luke, Thank you for the review. Youtube vids can be great as long as you watch the right ones. Hopefully the links I sent you will help develop your technique further. Great spoon from you on the day, we have high expectations for you and look forward to seeing your next creations. TTFN Mark"

Jenny Day reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a fantastic day! Thank you so much Mark and Jill for providing such an inspirational course. Your enthusiasm, thoroughness, patience and support gave me great confidence and I was so proud of what I achieved. And to be working in such magical surroundings in the middle of a bluebell wood. It was a very full day, so much excellent advice on techniques, types of wood, tools, health and safety.Thank you too Christina for a feast of a lunch and cake! I could not recommend this course enough. This would make a memorable and superb gift. Just loved it."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"It was a great day, so glad I held the class outside - the weather so much better than the forecast. Glad you enjoyed it all. All the best Mark"