Explore The Great Outdoors. reviews

19 Jul 21'

Alison Redman reviewed: Shave horse, English style, making course

"We thoroughly enjoyed our two day course in a beautiful woodland setting. With a small number of participants, there was plenty of help to hand from Jaqui and Pete. There was also as much tea/coffee as we wanted. Shaping pieces of wood using a shave horse and pole lathe was totally absorbing and satisfying. We came home with two lovely traditional shave horses, new skills and a taste to do more."

2 May 21'

Doug reviewed: Traditional Garden Plant Support Structure - Afternoon

"A very good Safe learning environment.Immediately felt at ease. My wife and I enjoyed learning how to make obelisks and where very pleased to take home the completed items. Look forward to coming back. Best Regards Doug & Linda"

12 Nov 20'

Glen Upward reviewed: Shrink Pot Making Course

"This was an exceptional course on making shrink pots. A stunning location, a warm welcome, and a day full of craft, cakes, and coffee. Jacqui and Pete made me feel welcome and shared the extensive knowledge of wood carving. Strongly recommended to anyone who wants to explore the subject, or just wants to try something different. Very relaxing and rewarding, and can't wait to the next course. A big thank you to Jacqui and Pete for a wonderful day"

28 Sep 20'

Keith Sloan reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"Great day and very pleased with the knowledge gained. Useful rake."

2 Dec 19'

Mark Humphries reviewed: Bushcraft and Survival Skills Course

"Had a great day in the woods with you!!"

18 Oct 19'

Adam Clarke reviewed: Spoon Carving the Scandinavian Way - Beginners

"Fantastic day, lovely people, really knowledgeable and friendly instruction and simply perfect location. This was more than you could write to describe the course and how enjoyable the whole experience was. Much more practice needed to produce a great spoon but the instruction and what we took away from the day was such that we'll keep trying and have confidence that we will achieve something we're proud of! Thanks so much to Jacqui and Pete :)"

16 Oct 19'

Helen Jacobs reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"This is a fantastic course! I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was not expecting to come away from a day in the woods quite so full of joy, energised, full of life and thrilled with what I had made. It was, I think, a wellbeing day as much as a green woodworking day. I had no experience at all with green woodworking, and now can't wait to do some more! The tutors were highly skilled, gentle and encouraging, and very kind hosts. The opportunity to use so many different tools was much appreciated. I would say that it probably helps being a tool-user already, since you use your arm muscles a lot through the day. Thank you Peter and Jacqui for a wonderful day, the delicious soup and all that you are doing to further woodland craft and care."

14 Oct 19'

Simon Hopkins reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"What a great time we had in the woods! Although I have some experience of greenwood working, the opportunity to learn from people (the excellent Peter and Jaquie) who knew what they were doing, knew how to teach, had their own piece of woodland and stacks of excellent tools (that were very sharp - ;-) Peter, that’s brilliant. Introduction, coffee or tea and biscuits free-flowing with the wonderful soup lunch,all heated and prepared. There in the woodlands felt great. This is an excellent course for somebody who wants to practice green woodworking, learn green wood working, Needs a break or needs to get away from the hustle and bustle and demands of modern lifestyle. Thanks again all, and I hope to see you all again soon. Simon"

28 Apr 19'

Patricia Gordon reviewed: Shrink Pot Making Course

"What a wonderful day making our shrink pots! Jacqui and Pete are fantastic hosts, and experienced trainers. The workshop can be found on their wood Nr Warminster. They take you through step by step and share in your excitement as you manage to gain skills in the different techniques used in the process of shrink pot making. The group of participants share in each other’s success and there is a real sense of camaraderie. Then you proudly take home your finished pot. Jacqui’s home made soup and fresh bread, and cups of tea and coffee and biscuits throughout the day ensures that all students remain refreshed. This is the second course my husband and I have undertaken with Jacqui and Pete and we would highly recommend them. Thank you for a fantastic day."

11 Apr 19'

martin hedges reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"What a brilliant course I would never believe I could learn so much in one day and all in such a beautiful location. Peter & Jacqui were perfect hosts and their enthusiasm was infectious, the whole day was a pleasure. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone."

2 Apr 19'

Carol Durrant reviewed: Bushcraft and Survival Skills Course

"Peter & Jackie welcomed the group into their lovely woods that were just beginning to burst into a bluebell carpet. I enjoyed the shelter building, water purification, cordage and navigation sessions and the fire lighting segment was particularly fun, instructive and even, at times, theatrical! Many thanks to "Explore The Great Outdoors" for a relaxing and informative day amongst the trees."

7 Aug 18'

Jake McAlister reviewed: Charcoal & Biochar Making Course - Warminster Wiltshire

"Pete is a great instructor, very knowledgeable and passionate. He came to a site that the project I work for was working on as part of a heritage skills training course for landowners. He was very professional and we got loads of great feedback."

25 Jul 18'

David Neale reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"An truly excellent course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Pete certainly knows his stuff and, while he taught in an informal manner, his knowledge of green woodworking was exemplary. All of the tools were in very good condition and the cutting edges were impressively sharp. Copious tea and biscuits were conjured up at regular intervals. It was quite a hard day's work, but very rewarding and I ended up with a most impressive rake to take home. I would thoroughly recommend this course and fully intend to do another course with Pete and Jackie in the future."

28 Jun 18'

Elizabeth MacKenzie reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"An excellent day run by a knowledgeable and patient team. Lots of different tools to use and skills to learn but Pete explained each step and method clearly and was always on hand to assist without taking over. Cups of tea from the kettle over the fire kept everything running smoothly and the participants were delighted with their completed rakes at the end of the day. Thank you!"