Experience the pleasure and satisfaction of using traditional hand tools to carve your very own rustic serving or chopping board from a log recently harvested from our own woodland (usually sycamore, beech, ash or oak). This is a great way to unwind, connect with nature and explore your more creative side. The course will run from my woodland workshop in Ghyll Wood on the fabulous Wyresdale Park estate. We can make use of both indoor and outdoor space depending on the weather, and a wood-burner will keep us toastie warm during the coldest of weathers.

What will the course cover

You will be learn how to:

• select a suitable log
• cleave the log into usable billets
• create a rough out with a carving axe
• refine the shape using a shave horse and draw-knife
• finish off with a carving knife
• treat and look after your board once it has dried out at home

You will be taught the safe use of tools, and how to create a safe work station, but please be aware that working with any edge tools presents an element of risk. You may have time to make more than one board depending on the design you choose and how well you progress.

What you need to know

Covid 19

This course has been limited to three participants, to ensure each participant has their own work station suitably spaced from others. The wearing of face coverings will not be compulsory, as due the the physical exertion of wood carving, they may not be practicable, and we will ensure adequate social distancing. Hand sanitiser will be readily available and all tools will be sanitised before use. Refreshments will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own drinking mug or flask, although a clean mug can be provided. Please do ask if you have any questions before attending.

This course is suitable for anyone 16 years+ with an interest in learning a little about the thrills of working with greenwood, no previous wood-crafting skills necessary.

Please wear clothing that is suitable for the expected weather conditions and that you don't mind getting a little messy, and good fitting, sturdy footwear with a grippy sole. We will need to spend a little time outside splitting the log regardless of the weather. Basic refreshments will be provided on the day, and you can make use of the Applestore cafe, but it may be worth contacting beforehand as they can get quite busy.