Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses reviews

28 Sep 18'

Stephen Ward reviewed: Introduction to woodland coppicing

"The coppicing course on Sunday 23rd September 9.30-4pm at Ecclesall Woods looked too good to miss so I promptly emailed the co-ordinator Fay Kenyon who booked me on the course. It was fascinating! There were only three participants and under Dave’s expert and patient tuition, ably assisted by Peter who is a volunteer, we learnt about the ancient craft of coppicing trees including hazel, ash, oak, and sweet chestnut. We were introduced to the history and principles of “coppicing with standards” which gives a sustainable timber crop for construction and furniture making. The uses for different species of trees was explained. After the efficient and safe use of different tools was demonstrated, we practiced coppicing hazel and were shown other aspects of woodland management and woodcraft. Everyone could have a go; after the gales and downpours last week the day turned out fine which couldn’t have been better for working in the woods on a sunny autumn day. I doubt if I have spent a more productive Sunday for a long time and consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to take part. Perhaps it was a shame it wasn’t better attended but we all enjoyed the experience. I can certainly recommend it and would encourage anyone to take a look at the website http://www.ecclesallwoodscraftcourses.co.uk/ which lists the variety of courses run at the JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre at Ecclesall Woods."

19 Sep 18'

Martin "Tosh" Braithwaite reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"From the first minute the good humour and the banter encouraged by Dave gave promise of a good day ahead. Most of the eight attendees were in the same boat, not having made a stick before. We needn't have worried. Dave quickly put us at our ease and under his expert guidance we were soon all on our way to the end result of a simple stick. Lunchtime arrived all too quickly and I still had three bits of a stick but progress from there was rapid and by the end of the afternoon I came away with a completed thumbstick. Tea, coffee and biscuits were plentiful. Parking was easy even for "Lollo" my much travelled motorhome and all the staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. I was reluctant to leave at the end of the day."

18 Sep 18'

Mark plets reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Really enjoyed this course. Relaxed atmosphere and supportive staff made this a very enjoyable day."

18 Sep 18'

Paul May reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Relaxed style of learning promoted by Dave. Excellent. The joints we made are not traditional but pegged with steel pin. I was happy with this as my skills, I am sure, wouldn't have run to making pegs/dowels etc. I messed up with stick straightening but Dave rescued me by giving me a spare. Instruction and examples were very clear. Dave did some of this himself eg drilling holes for the pins. It is good that we left with a finished stick and a choice of what t o do if we want to do more work on it. Lovely location and workspace - plus emergency room if we needed to shelter. Tea/coffee and biscuits available all day - excellent. I enjoyed the day and didn't find it too challenging ( which I was happy about as really I am a bit of a bodger! )"

26 Aug 18'

Paul McCaffrey reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"I attended a rustic table making course earlier in the year and enjoyed it so much I thought I would have a go at spoon carving. On both courses the teaching was very good using a variety of tools and techniques. The facilities in the teaching area and the centre were very good. I now have a very nice table that I am staining and waxing, and the skills to try spoon carving at home."

23 Aug 18'

Amberlea McNaught reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Exceptional tutoring, fun engaging and really relaxing. A wonderful day learning new skills safely with experienced and knowledgeable craftsman. I was so pleased with my first attempts. Great advice on materials and tools. I would thoroughly recommend any greenwood workshop here. This is the place to grow your imagination!!"

30 Jul 18'

John Sheppard reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"We spent a very interesting and instructive day. Our knowledgeable instructor was very relaxed and helped all course members who had mixed levels of ability. The day passed quickly and I learned a lot . Thanks for a great day."

27 Jul 18'

Darian reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A very enjoyable course . Would recommend excellent tutor"

27 Jul 18'

John Cartwrigjht reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A really super day. I have made very simple stick in the past, this course has spurred me on to make better sticks. As with many things personal guidance is a million times better than a book [or even You Tube videos]. Dave has a very easy style of teaching. You are guaranteed to enjoy the day"

12 Jun 18'

Andy Malkin reviewed: Make a rustic four-legged jointed table - a two day course

"On the course you have a chance to try all the skills necessary to make a table from greenwood. Help is always on hand, and the instructor and helpers were very knowledgeable. A very enjoyable course."

12 Jun 18'

Edd reviewed: Make a rustic four-legged jointed table - a two day course

"Really enjoyed this course and am very happy with my table. The teacher and assistants were excellent and very knowledgeable."

5 May 18'

Richard reviewed: Tool sharpening

"A very enjoyable day learning an essential skill that I just haven't got round to learning, despite its usefulness in so many crafts. The small group brought quite a selection of their own tools and Dave also demonstrated the technique for chisels, planes, spoke shaves and knives. A good bunch, pleasant surroundings and they even arranged warm, sunny weather for a Bank Holiday weekend. Who could ask for more?"

8 Apr 18'

Paul Burt reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Dave and the Team were most informative with the pace of instruction just right, interspersed with priceless Top Tips on how to make that little difference in making a walking stick that is yours. In addition to the expert tuition based on years of experience Dave readily shared his passion and subject matter expertise for the right tools for the job, of which he has a fair few, some adapted for the purpose. I came away motivated to get the garage cleared out, the workbench set up and stick making underway using the additional materials purchased on the course. My thanks to Dave and the Team for a most informative, enjoyable and productive day and to my wife Sally for purchasing the course for me as a Xmas gift. Dave a warm welcome awaits in Hampshire. Yours Gratefully Paul Burt"

6 Apr 18'

Ian Banks reviewed: Introduction to Wood Carving for Kids - one day

"This course was booked for my 13 year old daughter who suffers a bit from lack of confidence and who finds embracing new challenges head on a little intimidating. She thoroughly enjoyed the course, which gave her new skill opportunities with achivable objectives suitable to her level of understanding and ability. Courses like this should be compulsory in every school curriculum."

5 Apr 18'

Andrea Higginbottom reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Fantastic course - Nadine and Gaz were brilliant and Myles loved ever minute and is really keen to do more, they made loads of things and he is really proud of his achievements! Thank you!"

27 Mar 18'

Ronnie Smith reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Enjoyable, easy to achieve something meaningful and useful in the day. Challenging without being off-putting. Great tutor, gave good feedback and loads of genuine praise. I would highly recommend the course, the venue and the whole business model. Thanks very much."

26 Mar 18'

Mike Andrews reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Great day! I attended this course with my wife, it was really enjoyable day. The venue was great, Alistair the tutor was very knowledgeable, both me and my wife had a great time. I would definitely recommend the day."

20 Mar 18'

Richard reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"This was a most enjoyable and informative day with great group of people. The tutor was highly knowledgeable, yet the atmosphere was informal and friendly, with a like minded bunch all keen to learn. The small group of just six plus the tutor made this a great learning opportunity and all questions, basic or not were answered fully. Be prepared to take your turns on a gigantic set of bellows! You'll learn enough to gain the confidence to have a go at smelting at home without a significant outlay on equipment. This is a rare opportunity that I'd waited some time for but it was definitely worth it and I can't recommend this course highly enough."

16 Mar 18'

Andy Langley reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Fantastic day out! The instructor was thorough, patient and highly knowledgable. We spent the morning learning the process of melting down copper ore into usable metallic copper, a magical process! The afternoon was spent melting down bronze in the crucible, designing sand moulds and finally casting our own bronze axe heads. Be prepared to get involved with everything and be ready to pump those bellows! Highly recommended course."

12 Mar 18'

Yvonne Conchie reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Expert leader - an archaeologist / ancient metallurgist from Sheffield Uni. Interesting discussions and great hands-on experience smelting copper from malachite and then casting a bronze axe head. Feel confident having a go at replicating some of what I've learnt in the garden at home."

20 Nov 17'

Alison Campbell reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Fun day.People on.course friendly.Tutor was great.Very patient and helpful.Made us a lovely fire to keep us warm.Venue staff lovely and made us tea.Very inspiring.Ticked all my requirements thankyou."

28 Oct 17'

Neil Morris reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"3 wonderful days. Dave and his team could not have done anymore to make this course perfect. There knowledge, skill levels, enthusiasm and encouragement were outstanding. A wide range of skills learnt, both from the woodland work and the workshop. Really chuffed with my stool and the mallet is something special. Thank you. Well worth the trip from Bristol. Sheffield has lots to offer and my wife thoroughly enjoyed her stay as well, lots of places to walk."

23 Oct 17'

Jim Girling reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I was really impressed with the structure of the course and how it enabled Dave to share lots of knowledge and give us great amount of time to put that into practical use. He was able to train us through demonstration and through guiding us on our application of the skills learnt. I was looking forward to making something but never expected to be able to make a stool that was solid and practical from the tree we chopped down on our first day. There was also plenty of other wood craft skills and woodland management skills to learn along with the stool making and Dave and his team were helpful and knowledgeable with all. There was also a sufficient supply of cups of tea too. This was a really good course in a great location with a highly skilled leader, thanks for making it available for people to share."

17 Oct 17'

Mike Carr reviewed: Cider making - one day workshop

"Definitely aimed at absolute beginners. Most of the day is spent processing the apples to produce the juice from which cider can be made. This is followed by a relatively short discussion about what happens subsequently to convert the juice into cider."

16 Oct 17'

Pete Scotcher reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I havd a great few days on the introduction to woodworking course. Dave Jackson gave us every opportunity to learn by doing. The group was able to spend time in the woods learning about tree species and coppicing. I was delighted with the stool I made and had a chance to learn about sharpening my tools. I came away inspired, and believing that I can make things out of wood and deepened my love of being in woodland. Thanks to Dave and the team!"