Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses reviews

19 Feb 20'

Sam Hobday reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"Fantastic course that I would highly recommend. The venue was wonderful and Rachel the course tutor was absolutely lovely, very knowledgable and happy to guide us through making lots of different products, which we took home at the end of the day. The booklet we received was great too so now I can make the products at home as well. Thoroughly enjoyable and lovely to meet so many nice people on the day, can’t wait to do another course!!"

18 Feb 20'

Anthony David Sinnott reviewed: Woodland hand felling & axe work

"The course was very much a practical hands on introduction to hand felling small trees in a lovely deciduous woodland. The day started with an overview of the tools we would use, preceded by valuable health and safety advice. The four course participants were soon at work in the woods learning the practical application of techniques for felling small trees using bow saw and axe, not forgetting 'snedding' with billhook. The day included welcome beverages, packed lunch or food from the excellent kiosk. The tutors were obviously very able at their crafts and shared their knowledge with good humour and enthusiasm. I was particularly grateful for the time we spent on learning sharpening techniques for the tools we were using, having missed the specific course Dave runs on this subject. I would definitely recommend the course as an introduction to the subject and it would likely repay annual attendance for brushing up of woodland skills. I look forward to attending future courses."

15 Feb 20'

Jane reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"Amazing course I was kept busy all day. Lots to smell, try and make. Well paced and plenty to do and take home. Rachel treated us all as individuals and tailored the afternoon of the course to our tastes/ desires. Lots of tea, buns and a warm fire too what more can a girl want? Can’t wait for her next course."

15 Feb 20'

Natalie Thomas reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"This was a great hands-on, full day of making. It was well structured, with Rachel guiding us through soap making in the morning, then giving us freedom to have a go at the other bits like salves and bath bombs later in the day. It was a lovely friendly atmosphere and I went away with an incredible collection of bath time goodies!"

14 Feb 20'

Hazel Holloway reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Staff were more than helpful and patient and it was good to start to learn a new craft. It is a practical skill and I have already signed up for a further course."

13 Feb 20'

Helen Hygate reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"This was such a fantastic workshop, I had a thoroughly enjoyable day! Rachel was an amazing tutor with so much knowledge, such a lovely person. I learned loads of ways to produce beauty products, the handouts were brilliant, the venue was unique, comfortable and welcoming. I would love to return and do another course, thank you!"

11 Oct 19'

Glen Mills reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Great value for the money spent. Well done to Dave and Kay for squashing a huge amount of very useful information into one day. We were introduced to many sharpening and restoring techniques on a variety of tools. I particularly appreciated the one-to-one teaching and the sociable, chatty atmosphere. I would strongly advise future participants to bring pen and paper for making lots of notes and sketches. There is a lot to take in, which can easily be forgotten. I highly recommend this course."

6 Oct 19'

Glen Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Dave and team, Kay and Mel, were outstanding teachers. Very supportive and encouraging all the way, from sycamore log in the morning that we slowly morphed into a spoon in the afternoon. As a total rookie I learned an enormous amount about wood, techniques and tools, and enjoyed the informal atmosphere. Highly recommended."

3 Oct 19'

Mark reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Very enjoyable. Turned a wooden log into a spoon, with the help of Dave and the volunteers. Learnt a lot about wood, woodcraft, hand tools and techniques. The setting was great as was the coffee, biscuits and the conversations with the rest of the group. And, on this occasion, I was glad to be going home with the wooden spoon. Good fun and my thanks to all that were there."

3 Oct 19'

Lewis Howe reviewed: Green Wood Kitchen Utensils at Ecclesall Woods

"Great course. I learnt a wide range of skills which I am keen to take further. Already made my own shave horse and looking at acquiring more tools. Dave and the team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Covered a wide range of things and already looking forward to booking on the next one. I can't recommend the Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses highly enough and would suggest anybody looking for an introduction to Greenwood skills or to enhance those they already have, to look for a suitable course and get it booked."

29 Jul 19'

Jeff reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A great day all round with a good group of people and came away with a nice stick too. Would highly recommend. Thankyou."

26 Jul 19'

Heather Croft reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I have never worked with wood before but really enjoyed the day as Dave was an excellent tutor and the volunteers were very helpful. Came away with my own personal walking stick that I made. I also used power and traditional tools that I’d never touched before and that was a great learning experience in itself. The event location was brilliant and I am wanting to book on some other courses now that I’ve had that introduction. I enjoyed meeting the other course students and had a pleasant day. You can’t get the experience that we received on the day from reading books and watching YouTube."

26 Jul 19'

MAUREEN BROWN reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I did this course 25th July it was great, I have never done anything like this before . I was a bit daunted when I started and worried I would mess it up. But there was so much help available from the staff . Also it was so hot, but we were constantly reminded to drink plenty. Even if you have never picked up a carving knife, or made a stick give it a go, it is well worth it. You will come away with a stick you can be proud of. I just hope my son will like it too."

26 Jul 19'

Buster Crabb reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Excellent day. Helpful, informative and friendly tutor and volunteers and some lovely, like-minded fellow students. Overall, relaxing, creative and therapeutic. Many thanks."

10 Jul 19'

Candice reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Such a fun course, and amazing what you can achieve in a day! We'll definitely be back for another course!"

6 Jul 19'

Natalie Tanner reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Such an amazing course, Iain and Dave were fantastic tutor's. I never realised how much hard work goes into forging a blade, I was really happy how my knife turned out, but I do wish we had more time to fine tune a few details. I would recommend this course to everyone interested in bladesmithing. Any future courses they decide to arrange, I will be more than happy to attend again"

5 Jul 19'

Brad Levin reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Recently had the pleasure of completing this course and Iain and David were fantastic. One hell of an experience and a beautiful blade sat proudly at home"

11 Jun 19'

Nigel reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Had a fab day from start to finish. I was worried that the course content would not cover my needs, I was wrong, All aspects of tool sharpening was covered during the day, from draw knives to super sharp chisels. The mysteries surrounding achieving a razor shaft cutting edge melted away with plain and simple techniques using basic equipment that anyone could buy without breaking the bank. Good course, learnt a a lot."

8 Jun 19'

Peter Taylor reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Really enjoyed the course, a good mix of explanation, background, and opportunity to try various sharpening techniques. The demonstrations on a wide range of participants tools was particularly useful. Time is of course short for much personal feedback when there are 9 on the course, but there were opportunities and these were greatly valued. I would encourage any future participants to bring an array of tools, much of the 'added value' was in considering some of the braod range of sharpening challenges! Thanks Dave, a great day!"

7 Jun 19'

Glynn Cooper reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Attended the course on the 6th June,lucky enough to have a great bunch of like minded course members from all walks of life. Dave and his team were very out going and shared all manner of tips. Came away with a renewed vigour to carry on with the knowledge gained from this course, may well attend other courses at this facility, keep up the good work."

6 Jun 19'

Mike Tomson reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I learnt about a wide range of tools both carpentry and green wood related. We learnt a simple and easily applicable approach to all tools which will not break the bank.. but requires practice and commitment. This was great. There were occasions when it would be helpful for the excellent facilitator to make sure that the participant does the work and he comments on ways to improve our technique. Dave saved time and got better results by doing things himself but possibly we could have learnt more by getting our hands even dirtier!."

1 Jun 19'

Nicky Robinson reviewed: Bark basketry

"I enjoyed my course with Jasper so much. He was really knowledgeable and eager to share his skills. He is a great teacher and I have recommended him to several friends already. I came away with an elm bark container that I was extremely proud of and the skills to be able to create more in the future. I will be back to take a different course later in the year."

31 May 19'

R May reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Absolutely loved this course, especially the draw horse, I could have stayed there forever. Teacher and volunteers were great, I learned loads and Ecclesall Woods is amazing. And I'm really really proud of my stool!"

29 May 19'

David Staniforth reviewed: Square Zarzo basket making

"Rachael is an amazing tutor - I have done the round Zarzo with her and would have done this course if I wasn't on holiday. She is so patient, gives time to every student and is incredibly knowledgeable about the background of this and many other baskets. I made a really great basket which my wife uses in the garden all the time (not for cheese making though which is what the basket was originally meant for)."

25 Apr 19'

Roger Marks reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"An excellent, practical, course in a splendid setting. Experienced tutor demonstrated and explained clearly and well plus volunteer helpers meant help was always available when needed. All staff friendly and enthusiastic. I felt I'd learned a lot and would do another course there."