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Training Directory - Country Craft Short Courses

hand weaving reeds (image: Wei Cheng Wu / pixabay)

Country Craft  - Short Training Courses

 

This section covers craft courses which can be anything using traditional skills e.g. hurdle making, felting or basketweaving.  Although some of these may not be necessary to your ultimate work related goals they are complementary to an all-round countryside knowledge and are vital in keeping alive ancient skills and traditions; and they all make for a enjoyable, informative experience.

01/04/2024 Forth Environment Link Projects with Pizzas & Smoothies 1 Day

The Hive, Park Place, Dollar FK14 7AA, Forth Environment Link hosted by Dollar Community Development Trust c-js.info/433hOQ0

See the projects FEL are working on including vertical and tabletop farms where you grow microgreens to top the healthier pizzas they're making. There'll be microgreen kits to take home. Active travel team will be there and there'll be a smoothie bike where you can cycle to blend a smoothie!

Free Course

06/04/2024 Green Wood Stool Making 2 Days

Coalbrookdale, Small Wood Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/4ad9iAm

Learn how to make your own unique green wood stool. Choose between a woven or solid wood seat, and whether to complete your components on a shave-horse or pole-lathe.

Cost £200

06/04/2024 Make a bent wood hazel stick chair 2 Days

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/3wTUrw9

Learn how to make a beautiful green wood chair from locally grown hazel, using just a saw, drill and hammer. No previous wood-working experience necessary and you will be guided through the process. Your tutor, Maurice Clother will be on hand to give you as much help as you need.

Cost £20

13/04/2024 Spring forage walk 0.5 Day

Brinscall, Wildwood Days CIC 07910476274 info@wildwooddays.co.uk c-js.info/3uUuj3J

Come and join wild food expert David Winnard from Discover the Wild on a spring foraging walk. We will be going on a woodland walk to find and identify edible plants before returning to our site to enjoy some seasonal soup and salad.

Cost £15

13/04/2024 Nature journalling workshop - Spring 0.5 Day

Brinscall, Wildwood Days CIC 07910476274 info@wildwooddays.co.uk wildwooddays.co.uk/

We are very pleased to be hosting this workshop run by Sarah Hunter as an introduction to the joy of nature journalling. Journaling is a wonderful way for you to release stress, anxiety and tension. This is one of a series of 3 seasonal workshops to be held throughout the year

Cost £22.50

14/04/2024 Secrets of spring leaves - Natural dye workshop 1 Day

Brinscall, Wildwood Days CIC 07910476274 info@wildwooddays.co.uk wildwooddays.co.uk/

We are very excited to be welcoming back Maggie from ‘By Maggie Naturally’ for a day long natural dye workshop, 10:30 to 3:30pm. Maggie is an expert in botanical eco-printing and creates stunning fabric designs using natural dyes and printing techniques. All materials and refreshments included.

Cost £85

18/04/2024 Lavina's Legacy Woodland Workshop 4 Days

Celtic Harmony Camp, Bourne Wood, Brickendon Ln, Brickendon, Hertford SG13 8NY, Groundwork East and Celtic Harmony 07889755092 gareth.chalmers@groundwork.org.uk c-js.info/3OXNJLV

Get outdoors and enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside! Course takes place over 4 weeks on Thursdays from 18th April to 9th May from 11am-2pm, transport provided. What's included: Conservation and traditional skills with a friendly team of volunteers. Maintaining the woodland and the roundhouses. Consider a future traineeship to follow an in-house skills development programme.

Cost £Free

19/04/2024 Sussex trug making 3 Days

West Dean, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RIJEf7

Using traditional hand tools, cleave, shave and steam-bend sweet chestnut to make a classic Sussex trug with white willow boards and feet.

Cost £338

20/04/2024 Willow plant supports and garden structures 3 Days

West Dean, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3vuQcq1

Make a willow plant support, hurdle, sphere or fan trellis to add structure and sculpture to your garden.

Cost £348

21/04/2024 Yoghurt making workshop 1 Day

Bore Place, Kent, Bore Place 01732 463255 volunteering@boreplace.org c-js.info/3HyEwWe

Join Rachna Jhala from Happy Belly Foods to learn to make your own starter culture and yoghurt at home, as well as how to use your home's ?warm spots' with easy adaptations to incubate your fresh tasty yoghurt.

27/04/2024 Secrets of spring leaves - Natural dye workshop 0.5 Day

Brinscall, Wildwood Days CIC 07910476274 info@wildwooddays.co.uk wildwooddays.co.uk/

Sophie Outen, our local medicinal herbalist, is back with another fantastic herbal workshop. Join us for a guided walk through the beautiful Brinscall woods looking at the medicinal value of the plants we find along the way. This year Sophie is doing a series of seasonal walks in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Cost £20

11/05/2024 Kuksa mug carving workshop 1 Day

Brinscall, Wildwood Days CIC 07910476274 info@wildwooddays.co.uk wildwooddays.co.uk/

Come and make a traditional style Sami kuksa mug out of a prepared piece of hardwood. Learn how to rough out the form with a carving axe, begin hollowing the bowl with a gouge and mallet. Then finishing off the details with a carving knife. All tools and materials are provided.

Cost £95

11/05/2024 Coracle Making 2 Days

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/49VfTiW

Build an Ironbridge-style coracle using simple tools and techniques to suit all levels of experience and ability. The coracle has been around for thousands of years, evolving as a cheap, simple boat that anybody could make and use for all sorts of short river work, particularly fishing.

Cost £350

16/05/2024 Lavina's Legacy Woodland Workshop 4 Days

Celtic Harmony Camp, Bourne Wood, Brickendon Ln, Brickendon, Hertford SG13 8NY, Groundwork East and Celtic Harmony 07889755092 gareth.chalmers@groundwork.org.uk c-js.info/3OXNJLV

Get outdoors and enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside! Course takes place over 4 weeks on Thursdays from 16th May to 6th June from 11am-2pm, transport provided. What's included: Conservation and traditional skills with a friendly team of volunteers. Maintaining the woodland and the roundhouses. Consider a future traineeship to follow an in-house skills development programme.

Cost £Free

16/05/2024 Drystane Dyking 2 Days

Bo'ness, TCV Scotland 07483 045 704 t.burden@tcv.org.uk c-js.info/495qC9h

This 2 day course will take you through the steps on rebuilding & repairing traditional drystane dykes. You will learn how to build a dyke both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Cost £140

18/05/2024 Tool sharpening 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/48R3DPi

An immersive day learning how to sharpen green wood working tools. The morning will be spent focusing on the basics of sharpening straight edge tools such as knives, drawknifes and axes, and the afternoon will look into curved tools such as spoon knives and travishers.

Cost £95

19/05/2024 Kuksa carving 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/4abK3yc

Carve your very own Scandinavian style Kuksa using traditional tools and techniques. You will learn: How to select appropriate wood and the different properties; Tool use and selection; Marking out and creating the shape you want; How to use a variety of tools to scoop out the bowl and shape the outside.

Cost £95

19/05/2024 Charcoal Making with Greg Belcher 1 Day

Grafham Water, BCN Wildlife Trust 07793 606026 juliette.butler@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

Discover the process of producing lumpwood charcoal. This workshop will examine the history of charcoal use and production. You will get hands-on with the work of preparing, loading, firing and sealing a 1.8m charcoal ring kiln, and learn how to make your own charcoal in an oil barrel.

Cost £40 for BCNWT members / 45 for non-members

24/05/2024 Willow plant supports and garden structures 3 Days

West Dean, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/47kC4gp

Make a willow plant support, hurdle, sphere or fan trellis to add structure and sculpture to your garden.

Cost £363

01/06/2024 Make a Mike Abbott style shave horse 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/3VjoeJ1

Make & use a shave-horse in a day! Designed by green wood chairmaker, teacher & author Mike Abbott, these slightly crude but wonderfully functional shave-horses are assembled using lengths of 4x2, sturdy screws, simple tools, and a cordless drill.

Cost £120

02/06/2024 Rustic Rake Making 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/3VjoeJ1

Make your own garden rake! Using green ash wood, you will spend the day cleaving and shaping components using traditional tools and devices – a shave-horse and drawknife, a tyne-cutter and a brace and bit – before fixing it all together and giving it a try on some of the many shavings you will have created throughout the day.

Cost £95

08/06/2024 Introduction to Bushcraft 2 Days

Forres, Wild Things 01309 690450 training@wild-things.org.uk c-js.info/2Sa84AK

This accredited course has been designed to be informative and fun. Participants will learn about safe and effective use of cutting tools, identification of plants and their uses, building natural shelters, traditional fire lighting, and campfire cooking.

Cost £35.00

08/06/2024 Relief Carving in Wood 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/3TmsVPk

Learn wood carving techniques whilst making a relief carving. You will be guided through all the stages of from wood selection, to buying and maintaining your tools, using knives and chisels safely and effectively, and creating texture along with finishing techniques.

Cost £95

09/06/2024 Learn how to make kefir 1 Day

Bore Place, Kent, Bore Place 01732 463255 volunteering@boreplace.org c-js.info/3Uea37f

Join Rachna Jhala from Happy Belly Foods to learn to make gut-health-boosting kefir at home, as well as how to use kefir culture to make other microbiome-boosting drinks. Take some kefir mother culture home to get going straight away!

09/06/2024 Bowl carving 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/3vjATRm

Learn how to carve your very own bowl using traditional tools and techniques, with master craftsman Pete Lloyd. You will learn: How to set up a bowl mate How to select appropriate timber How to measure and mark up A variety of carving techniques using axe, adze and chisels Finishing techniques

Cost £95

21/06/2024 Woodwork Weekend 3 Days

Betws Bledwrs, Lampeter, SA48 8PB, Denmark Farm Conservation Centre 01570 493358 info@denmarkfarm.org.uk c-js.info/2ujBpPj

This weekend covers spoon carving, small table or stool making and shrink pot carving. You will learn about wood sources, types and forms used for different types of carving. We also cover tools, their care and use, safe axe use and knife cutting techniques.

Cost £210

29/06/2024 Bushcraft Overnight - Summer 2 Days

Betws Bledwrs, Lampeter, SA48 8PB, Denmark Farm Conservation Centre 01570 493358 info@denmarkfarm.org.uk www.denmarkfarm.org.uk/

The course covers everything on a deeper level, giving the chance to explore more aspects of bushcraft such as fire lighting, tool use, foraging, herbal medicine and cooking. In addition, we look at more ways of utilizing and reconnecting with the natural environment. Meals are enjoyed around the campfire.

Cost £175

30/06/2024 Introduction to Pole Lathe Turning 1 Day

Coalbrookdale, Small Woods Association 01952 432769 office@smallwoods.org.uk c-js.info/4cfnSJo

Spend a day at the Green Wood Centre learning how to turn fresh green wood on a foot-powered pole-lathe and create your own unique items eg. rolling-pin, chair leg, garden dibber.

Cost £95

29/07/2024 Nature Recovery and the River Dart Valley: 2-week experience 12 Days

Lower Sharpham Farm, Ashprington, Totnes, TQ9 7DX, Ambios Ltd info@ambios.net c-js.info/3wlfg3c

Study the Dart Valley’s unique ecology and distinctive habitats, including peatlands, species-rich grasslands, saltmarsh, and reedbed. Canoe, swim, walk, and leave inspired with a sense of hope for the future, better informed about natural processes, their application to a landscape, and how crucial they are for the future of nature.

Cost £980

30/08/2024 Summer garden photography 3 Days

West Dean, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3txbW4h

Learn about garden photography in the beautiful setting of West Dean Gardens

Cost £298

08/09/2024 Learn how to make labneh and paneer 4 Days

Bore Place, Kent, Bore Place 01732 463255 volunteering@boreplace.org c-js.info/3tVzH6k

Join Rachna Jhala from Happy Belly Foods to learn to make cheeses (a cream cheese) and paneer (a cooking cheese) at home. Take home a pot of fresh live yoghurt and a sachet of Zaytoun za'tar spices ready to put into action what you have learned.

09/09/2024 Our place in nature: 2-week experience 14 Days

Lower Sharpham Farm, Ashprington, Totnes, TQ9 7DX, Ambios Ltd info@ambios.net c-js.info/49bVh5Q

This experience will explore examples of applied nature recovery, through education, creative arts, events, and improved access. You will leave with a greater appreciation for nature, and a deep connection, as well as skills to inform and inspire others that will underpin your future with nature.

Cost £980

14/09/2024 Introduction to Bushcraft 2 Days

Forres, Wild Things 01309 690450 training@wild-things.org.uk wild-things.org.uk/

This accredited course has been designed to be informative and fun. Participants will learn about safe and effective use of cutting tools, identification of plants and their uses, building natural shelters, traditional fire lighting, and campfire cooking.

Cost £35.00

19/10/2024 Autumn foraging walk 6 Days

Bore Place, Kent, Bore Place 01732 463255 volunteering@boreplace.org c-js.info/3u5TaRB

Explore the historic Bore Place estate with a professional forager, tasting and harvesting as you walk.

20/10/2024 Yoghurt making workshop 7 Days

Bore Place, Kent, Bore Place 01732 463255 volunteering@boreplace.org c-js.info/3HyEwWe

Join Rachna Jhala from Happy Belly Foods to learn to make your own starter culture and yoghurt at home, as well as how to use your home's ?warm spots' with easy adaptations to incubate your fresh tasty yoghurt.

05/10/2025 Construct a Pole Lathe 2 Days

Betws Bledrws, Lampeter , Denmark Farm Conservation Centre 01570 493358 info@denmarkfarm.org.uk www.denmarkfarm.org.uk/

This two day pole lathe making course takes you through the basic construction of two pole lathe designs, and some simple turning techniques to get you started.

Cost £130 plus ?115 for materials

Various Expressive life drawing

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TMNXsw

Develop your confidence in expressive drawing through a series of exercises working with a life model.

Cost £47

Various Dog Grooming Level 3 1 Day

Melton Mowbray, SMB College Group 01664 850850 enquiries@smbgroup.ac.uk c-js.info/3Ik6Agw

During this short course you will learn the practical skills and knowledge that are important for working as a Professional Dog Groomer. Based at the College's Brooksby Campus with access to professional standard equipment.

Various Introducing raised embroidery techniques

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/47mD3Nc

Explore traditional stumpwork techniques as the tutor demonstrates stitches and needlelace.

Cost £47

Various Textile basketry - exploring twining

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/48ieW3F

Explore the basketry technique of twining through a series of workshops,

Cost £47

Various Inspirational natural dyeing for textiles

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/48ieUZB

Explore the abundance of plants that yield colour to use in natural dyeing fabric.

Cost £47

Various Contemporary paper folded fan making

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RJJvbq

Learn how to make 360 degree cockade fans using paper folding techniques.

Cost £47

Various Feltmaking: exploring nature's palette

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RIJSCZ

Using the hues and textures of nature as inspiration

Cost £47

Various Basketry masterclass - English Square Work

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/47kC5Rv

Learn from expert basketmaker Mary Butcher as she shares her knowledge of traditional techniques in English Square Work

Cost £49

Various Tapestry weaving - learn the basics

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TNgLBd

An in-depth guide to get you started with tapestry weaving.

Cost £57

Various Exploring colour

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/48ieQcj

Follow in depth exercises exploring five basic criteria for colour identit.

Cost £47

Various Oil painting for beginners

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RKirJ0

A series of detailed step-by-step workshops taking you through each stage

Cost £47

Various Learn how to draw portraits

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TOaPrI

Develop a likeness through observational drawing of your own model.

Cost £47

Various Introduction to abstraction

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3tFOFNv

Learn the principles of abstraction through a series of exercises.

Cost £47

Various Dog Grooming Taster 1 Day

Melton Mowbray, SMB College Group 01664 850850 enquiries@smbgroup.ac.uk c-js.info/3qCWB00

The dog grooming Taster course is for anyone who would like to learn how to groom their own dog, or might want to work in the dog grooming industry.

Various Get started with watercolour painting

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3U5IjC3

Learn how to set up, draw and paint a still life in watercolour,

Cost £47

Various Get started making books

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RKnXLM

Learn how to make your own books at home using the elegantly simple pamphlet bookbinding technique.

Cost £47

Various Introduction to sculpture; addition, reduction and transformation

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/47mkkS2

A practical introduction to sculpture.

Cost £47

Various Mixed media - painting and drawing the landscape

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TMNXc0

This dynamic course will introduce you to a variety of materials

Cost £47

Various Relief printing at home

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3tyCGkW

Learn how to create multiple surface relief prints from commonplace item

Cost £47

Various Hybrid relief printmaking at home

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TOaDbY

A playful approach to hybrid printmaking introducing lino cutting.

Cost £47

Various Introduction to drawing

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/48ADxkp

Learn to draw through a series of guided exercises with an experienced tutor who has taught this subject for many years.

Cost £47

Various Sculpture from the landscape using found and natural materials

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3NLCHsE

Explore the opportunities for creativity that are abundant in the natural environment.

Cost £47

Various Drawing and mark-making: Finding rhythms and patterns in the landscape

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3TM4kp0

Be drawn into a world of shimmering leaves, weather, wind, movement, space and atmosphere and discover your own library of mark-making.

Cost £47

Various Additional techniques for your basketmaking toolbox

Online, West Dean College 01243 818 300 option2 bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk c-js.info/3RJJunS

Learn additional techniques to develop your basketmaking skills from Yeoman Basket Maker Eddie Glew.

Cost £49

Various City & Guilds Dog Grooming – Level 2

Melton Mowbray, SMB College Group 01664 850850 enquiries@smbgroup.ac.uk c-js.info/3qCWB00

This dog grooming course is for anyone who wants to work in the dog grooming industry. This course incorporates working with a variety of breeds and coat types in an intimate group, enabling the experienced, highly qualified tutor to provide each candidate with time to build their confidence and skill set.

If you are interested in any of the courses detailed please contact ONLY the person, centre, telephone number or email address and remember to mention that you saw the listing in CJS Training Directory. For all courses assume that booking is required and a fee may be applicable.

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