Courses

Throughout the year, we run a series of courses relating to the subjects of coppicing, green woodworking & sustainable woodland management. Past courses include: hurdle making, spar making, hedgelaying, continuous woven fencing, charcoal making, hedgelaying and spoon carving.

Unless otherwise detailed, these courses will be run at our off-grid ‘Living Classroom’ in the woodlands above Blandford Forum, Dorset.

Keep an eye on this page, as courses will be detailed here as and when they are available.

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

December 6, 2025    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Introduction to Spar Making - Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place?

Introduction to Spar Making – Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place?

January 17, 2026    
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
£50.00
Intro to Spar Making Ever wondered how thatched roofs are held in place? Would you like to learn about the intrinsic link between ancient hazel […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

January 24, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£60.00 – £75.00
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Willow Basket Weaving

Willow Basket Weaving

February 7, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£60.00 – £70.00
A one day ‘Introduction to Willow Basket Weaving’ course which is suitable for beginners. Jim and Marg King will show you the tools that are […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

February 11, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£60.00 – £75.00
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Hurdle Making

February 28, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£60.00 – £75.00
This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how to make woven hazel hurdles. The day’s course […]
Mini sweet Chestnut Gate Hurdle Making

Mini sweet Chestnut Gate Hurdle Making

March 7, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£85.00 – £100.00
A day learning how to use Sweet Chestnut Cleaving, stripping, shaping and fixing Using tools such as a froe, and drawknife This is an entry […]
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making

March 27, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£60.00 – £75.00
Introduction to Hazel Splitting & Mini Hurdle Making This course is a one day introduction to the art of splitting (or riving) hazel and how […]
Framed Hurdles

Framed Hurdles

April 4, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£100.00 – £115.00
Framed hurdles course The course will cover making frames, Making a 6’x3’ hurdle, touching on the splitting of Hazel and the use of thinner stems. […]
Make your own Shave Horse

Make your own Shave Horse

April 25, 2026    
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
£120.00 – £135.00
This shave horse design by Mike Abbot makes a very sturdy, comfortable and versatile shave horse Tea and coffee provided. Everything supplied and go home […]