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© Emma Goldsmith / Small Woods Association
From the moment you pick up a traditional hand tool or trace the grain of freshly felled wood, you’ll be transported. Green woodworking lets us step back thousands of years, connecting us to the communities who used their local woodland to make sustainable everyday items.
Today, it’s a rewarding way to feel more connected to your local woodland. Discover what you can craft on a course near you.
In many ways, green woodworkers were the original conservationists, as they used local materials in a renewable and sustainable way.
Green woodworking makes products from recently felled timber that’s not been seasoned. The timber is easier to work than dry, seasoned timber and can be worked with traditional hand tools.
The craft was once much more common in our woodlands, where many specialist craftspeople made everyday products such as fencing, homeware and furniture in the woods.
Now we must pass on these skills to future generations before they’re lost.
© Emma Goldsmith / Small Woods Association
Our green woodworking courses are open to anyone aged over 18, and we particularly encourage local people who live in the Low Weald and South Downs to join a course.
We’re keen to welcome conservation group volunteers, who can put these skills into action in the woodlands they look after.
Gate hurdle making course
Traditionally used to handle and pen livestock, today gate hurdles are an attractive addition to your garden or green space. They make beautiful, natural fencing and are often used as plant supports or border edging
This one-day course will teach you how to make your own gate hurdle. You will learn:
You will leave with a finished hurdle to take home.
Fee: £45
Introduction to Green Woodworking
Learn the basic techniques and properties of working with green wood – and head home with a simple but unique item, handmade for your kitchen. This is a one-day course, which will cover:
Fee: £50
We’re busy developing our full programme of course dates and locations. For now, please get in touch to find out more or join a waiting list.
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