The Venue
This one day course is set at our off-grid woodland craft centre, Kensley Sheds, right in the heart of the beautiful Forest of Dean, situated on the famous Sculpture Trail, close to the Stained Glass Window and Wildlife Trust reserve ‘Woorgreen Lake’
Kensley Sheds is the home of our Social Forestry Project ‘New Leaf’. Here, local adults who are struggling with social issues come learn & practice new skills. We follow regenerative woodland management practices, to extract and process wood from disused Forestry England coppiced woodland. Here the wood is turned it into functional items, firewood and charcoal, giving people access to new careers and a sense of real community.
Our long term goal is to acquire land to hold in a community land trust, run as a workers co-op, supporting local heritage craft skills by running apprenticeship schemes and creating a demonstration of true local economy and functional community eco living. Read more about SEED project here….
Kensley sheds has running water, a flushing disabled access toilet, onsite parking and is heated by wood-burner. You will be able to peruse our extensive library of eco / craft / alternative living books throughout the day.
The Course
You be taught in a group setting around the fire circle, each equipped with a sloyd knife and a piece of green wood. You will learn a variety of cuts that can be used and applied to a wide range of carving projects.
How to use whittling tools safely and effectively
How to care for your tools.
Introduction to the different properties of green wood.
A variety of different cutting techniques and knife positions
How to carve a tree spirit from a branch of green wood, and release the tree spirit
How to transfer those skills to other carving projects
We will provide:
Relaxed and fun instruction
All tools and materials
A covered area incase of rain
A fire to keep warm
Refreshments
Simple vegetarian lunch - pay on the day.
What to bring:
Suitable clothing for the weather.
Your own carving tools if you prefer.
Cash for Local Organic and wild food, provided for lunch.
