Latest reviews

16 Apr 13'

Derek Snee reviewed: A stool making day

"Wonderful! I wholeheartedly recommend Big Tree Society courses. I have attended two so far and have learned so much from Eoin and Keith - two guys who are passionate about green woodworking and passing on their skills. The courses are great places to share thoughts with like minded people, learn, re-focus and be re-invigorated. I have caught the bug, built a workshop, and regularly use the shaving horse, chair and stool which I made on the courses."

15 Apr 13'

Kirsteen Woods reviewed: A stool making day

"I had an amazing day making a stool out of a tree. It was wonderful learning how to make a functional piece of furniture from green wood in just one day! It is a beautiful setting, with very knowledgeable and truly inspirational teachers. I highly recommend this course - sign up today - it is great value for money, fantastic fun, and you will leave with a great sense of achievement!"

15 Apr 13'

Linda Keith reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic day I had 'down in the woods' making a willow chair! I had no previous knowledge which did not matter at all as the support and guidance was superb and I came home with a unique art piece for my garden. What's more I would love to make another one - a great experience."

14 Apr 13'

Mark Douglass reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have always thought I would enjoy working with wood but with no real opportunity to find out. That has now been rectified as I have just completed Course 1 with Richard and Mark. Course 1 is a most enjoyable fun week in which you are guaranteed to learn an awful lot of wood working skills in Richard's Workshop. A great set up with loads of top quality tools and top quality guidance and instructions. I have completed this course with a massive sense of achievement and a super Spinning Stool which is taking pride of place. I am now trying to work out how I can set up my own workshop and get back for Course 2."

13 Apr 13'

Becky Walker reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"The best craft course I've ever been to!! Jane and her husband, Graham make you so welcome, with amazing home cooked food and a wonderful attic studio to work in. Views over the beautiful midlothian countryside and all the colours of wool you could hope for to weave from. Really inspiring lovely day out, really tailored to all abilities. Can't recommend a days tapestry weaving with Jane enough!"

12 Apr 13'

Sue Kane reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have attended Week One and the followed it with a Week Two Course. I knew virtually nothing about woodworking beforehand but was trained by Richard and Mark in the use of hand tools and power tools. Their teaching was excellent and the small class numbers meant that we were never left waiting to find out what to do next. I thoroughly enjoyed the weeks and have two beautiful pieces of furniture to show for it! Thank you!"

10 Apr 13'

Janet Barnes reviewed: A stool making day

"Great training from great people at a great venue! Can highly recommend - great value for money."

9 Apr 13'

Brian Mahler reviewed: A stool making day

"This should be on your 'things I want to do before I die' list. Great fun, inspirational, gives purpose to life."

8 Apr 13'

Kerrie Walker reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon came to run a workshop for our Touch To See Art Club for visually impaired participants at the Corn Exchange, Newbury. Tactile resources are very important for this group and Simon very kindly provided examples of his work for them to handle whilst explaining the techniques he uses to make them. It was great that he could offer something so hands-on but with the opportunity to learn about the skills behind his work, and that he was so keen to answer their many questions! The group are keen to have Simon back so they can try using some of the braid wheels…thank you for such an informative and engaging workshop!"

5 Apr 13'

David Hunter reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Undertook this greenwood working course as part of Coppicewood's 6 month woodland management course. Both courses were excellent. The green woodwork course was taught by three skilled and passionate instructors who helped us to get grips with a variety of skills from pole lathing to axe work. The 6 month woodland management course is a life changer. Check it out."

1 Apr 13'

Holly Harries reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Had a really good experience. I made my very own shave horse to take home. I used Douglas Fir for the bench, Ash for the legs (3) and Willow and Ash for the vice. Chosen from the wood lying on the ground in the coppiced woodland acre just down the path. Personal instruction was at a pace that suites you. I used all the tools and aids provided and was amongst very good company. It was quite cool but only really rained on the last day, but it did not matter as you keep very warm working the wood and you can be under cover when necassary. I loved the smell of the bark and the wood and the different colours, textures and grain of the chosen pieces. Apart from the muddy ground you were working in a very clean wholesome medium. It was 'good for the soul.' I would like to make a pole lathe someday but can have a good go at a number of projects at home now on the smallholding - once I get some basic tools sorted. Thankyou Coppice College and all the tutors for a most worthwhile course. I now feel empowered!"

1 Apr 13'

Cheryl reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Earlier this year I had three days one-to-one instruction with George at his workshop in Burnham on Sea. I am very much a beginner and make slow progress but George has been very patient and has definitely helped to boost my confidence. Last week I turned my first complete bowl at home, alone, without any heart-stopping moments. It may not sound very exciting but for me it is a tremendous achievement!"

30 Mar 13'

Fiona Hill reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"I had so much fun on this course: results are awesome. You can be sure you will walk away with a handful of creations you can be proud of. Debs is a great teacher, very patient and encouraging. Children love this workship too - it is a great way to spend an afternoon."

30 Mar 13'

Lauren reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"This is a really cool course. I was 11 when I did it and it was so much fun and I hope I can do it again. Debs was so patient and helpful :)"

29 Mar 13'

Diane Dixon reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a fantastic day making a stool. The guys are great and the setting fantastic. Get yourself along - you'll have a smashing time."

28 Mar 13'

ann conway reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"It was the most exciting workshop I have ever done, my friends were amazed, a lot have never heard of Gyotaku, so I spread the word! Looking forward to doing some more in June. ANN"

28 Mar 13'

david barella reviewed: A stool making day

"Done a days course,also a wk/end both times a fantastic experience.Its hands on working with greenwood,tools and methods used a hundred yrs. or more advice is on hand but you are the designer let your ideas run wild.The staff are great also the banter and theres plenty of that,to work with wood is to harmonise with part of nature,chill let the stress vaporate and tune into natures greenwood.Feeling at the end of course is so uplifting when you see final product,that you have made.I'd recomend anybody,everybody to try a course,I'l be back. Big tree society!! full marks. Dave."

28 Mar 13'

Dorothy Holder reviewed: A stool making day

"Great staff, teaching and setting. Suitable for total beginners as well as those with a bit of know how. An extremely satisfying and enjoyable day...I'm so proud of my stool!"

28 Mar 13'

Val Young reviewed: A stool making day

"Brilliant! Can't recommend these courses highly enough. I've made too chunky ash stools and an awesome willow sculptural bench to date &amp; can't wait to discover what my next creation will be on my next visit. The atmosphere is wonderful. The teachers are always willing to help and pass on their extensive knowledge with accompanying good humoured banter. The venue @ Harestanes is magnificent. I also recommend allowing time for a walk around the surrounding area. I will be back!"

28 Mar 13'

Sylvia Huggan reviewed: A stool making day

"I have done two one day courses and made a stool and a garden chair. Both days were great fun and, for someone who has never touched wood working tools, a real experience and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone."

27 Mar 13'

Hamish Martin reviewed: A stool making day

"I spent the weekend doing green wood working to produce my own working horse - the whole experience was fantastic and inspirational - a must for anyone with even the slightest intrest in working with one of the most beautiful material, wood in a wonderful setting and with a great teacher. Hamish"

27 Mar 13'

gavin reviewed: A stool making day

"Had an amazing weekend with excellent tuition and I'm still stunned and proud every day when I see the chair that I made - 'that I made' is what I have to keep reminding myself. From arriving on Saturday morning and starting with logs and branches to leaving on Sunday evening with a beautiful peice of furniture. You spend the day working outdoors, with your hands and end the day with the feeling of satisfaction. I would recommend this to anyone disillusioned with sitting behind a desk all day!"

25 Mar 13'

Kevin Hanley reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Have been tutored twice by George (once on colouring and texturing and once on hollow forms), and my turning has definately improved as a result. George is patient, understanding, very knowledgable and excellent at imparting his knowledge. I have no hesitation in recommending him,"

25 Mar 13'

sue meads reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Have attended a number of George's courses and I rate them as excellent. The workshop, range of tools, products plus, of course, George's support and professional approach are first rate."

23 Mar 13'

Maggie B reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"This course is great fun and the results are stunning. Debs is an enthusiastic teacher who encourages you experiment and discover your creative potential."