Introduction to woodland coppicing

Jessica reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I did this course a few days ago, I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to learn how to sharpen anything. Whether its clipper blades or knives or axes. The teacher Dave is extremely knowledgeable, lovely and very welcoming 😊"

Eliot reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Amazing course - first time doing this kind of thing and Dave was a great instructor, with Kay providing excellent support! Very happy with my stool and very tempted to do something more advanced in the future!"

Tracey Guymer reviewed: Tool sharpening

"On Sunday I was lucky enough to do a tool-sharpening workshop in Ecclesall Woods with tutor Dave. & being an outdoor class it was an extra bonus that it was actually a rare warm and sunny day! I enjoyed every minute of the workshop as Dave taught me how to sharpen my big choppy tools. It was like being on an episode of 'the repair shop' only better!! As Dave, the expert, was actually teaching and showing me how to restore my dad's beautiful old axe and mum's beautiful old billhook ... myself!! Dave was a really great tutor and immensely knowledgeable so I learned lots of interesting related facts along the way. He was also very kind and we didn't just sharpen my tools, we fixed them properly, restored them to their former glory and gave them a brand new lease of life! And now I can't wait to spend time fixing up, restoring and sharpening all my other old tools!!"

Martin Mullen reviewed: Tool sharpening

"A lovely day outside (under shelter). The course was led by Dave and he gave all of us (5 participants) a thorough yet comprehensive walkthrough on sharpening tools from axes to planes to hook knives. Do ensure you follow the course advice and wear appropriate clothing & wrap up warm."

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Thanks for the great review Martin. Glad you had a good day !"

Pete Kelson reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Great course. Dave was presented with 5 'customers' whose interests in wood could not have been more varied. From mine, carving on a small scale, to someone else's, carpentry on a big scale. He helped us all by teaching how to sharpen planes, axes, carving knives, gouges, chisels and even hook knives. He taught me all that I needed to know about sharpening the tools I use as well as everybody else about what they use. He was happy for us to video him in his demonstrations. He showed us his technique but also other popular techniques. Great course. Great teacher. "

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Thanks for the great review Pete. Glad you had a good day, great to meet you regards Dave !"

Shannon reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"The course was really enjoyable, with the right balance of challenge and support. The ratio of trainers to learners was excellent, and there was always someone to help so learners weren't stuck waiting for guidance or input. I learned a lot and the stool itself turned out well, thanks to the guidance of the facilitators. I'd definitely do this again! I was put at ease by the facilitators around the tasks and skills in general but the timing did end up slightly tight as the day continued. It could easily be a two-day course with more from-scratch work. However, the facilitators had done well to prepare materials ahead of time to balance the need to keep to time while also ensuring there was an opportunity for attendees to try our hands at each stage of the construction process. They were also happy to let us have a degree of choice of how much they helped us (timings allowing). The cafe on site had a good selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals suiting a range of dietary needs. The loos were clean, indoors, and easy to access from the crafting area. A small note that the gate to the drive serving the centre and car park was locked sometime between 16:10 and 17:00. This meant my lift wasn't able to get in and there's also a risk of getting locked in the car park unless leaving immediately after the course ends, as happened to a dog walker!"

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Hello Shannon, thank you for your review. Much appreciated. The gate is always locked around 4 every night-and there are clear sign post to that effect ,but all our course tutors have keys to the gate and course attendees are fine to get out at whatever time the course finishes. I’m sorry if your tutor didn’t make you aware of that. Kind regards, Rachel"

Jane reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"It was a joyous day. Dave and all the volunteers helping were brilliant. Fun and great teachers. Really organised. Timing was impeccable. You got to have a go at each skill but if you're tired or ran out of time they helped out. So everyone finished with a wonderful looking wooden stool. "

John Tinner reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"What a marvellous day out. Expert tuition by Dave, guides you through the steps of shaping and forming a quality walking stick. The woodland backdrop provided for a relaxed friendly atmosphere, coupled with energising cups of tea! I would thoroughly recommend this day at the workbench to any participant, whatever your woodworking skill set. I will certainly be signing up for another woodland course. The gate making looks particularly interesting. Many thanks for a great day to all concerned."

Rachel Welton reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"What a great course. I enjoyed the day so much. All the tutors were great. Really helpful & knowledgeable but good fun too. I am so pleased with my three legged stool. Thank you"

Sally reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Had such a lovely day, thank you so much. Great leader and volunteers. I now have the green woodcrafting bug! "

Benjamin Greaves reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"We loved our 3 legged stool making experience and would highly recommend it to friends and family. "

Jonathan Roberts reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I highly recommend, a marvellous day out. Expert tuition and close oversight guides you through the steps of constructing a quality walking stick that you then get to keep. I hope to return at a later date on another woodland course."

Anthony Illingworth reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Very enjoyable and informative day. I had been looking forward to it very much, and I learned a lot throughout the day. Very helpful staff and nice surroundings, and a beautiful walking stick to take home at the end of the day."

Philip Walter reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Pleasant day in the woods learning some useful skills & tips."

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Thanks for the review Philip you made an awesome walking stick would be lovely to see a photo of it all polished up kind regards Rachel"

Jeffrey reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Excellent course, Dave (leader) very knowledgable and down to earth takes the necessary time to make sure you are on the right track with everything. Fabulous surroundings and a very relaxing and rewarding experience all around. Highly recommended (and I made a stick !)"

Antony Dodworth reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I was very much looking forward to the course, as it had been some 35 years since I did any woodwork tool sharpening at school. Dave and his team made you instantly feel at home. I liked his honesty about sharpening, he showed you that amazing results could be achieved with very simple bits of equipment, all that was required was some time on you doing sharpening, which I got plenty of hands on practice over the day. I took 2 of my own tools along that had seen better days and looked like they had been used for removing nails, I learned how to make them look new again and left with razor sharp tools to take back home. A really enjoyable day. The time went quickly as you were always doing something."

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the day Anthony Dave and his team are really amazing hope we might see you again on a future course kind regards Rachel"