Manor Wood reviews

Ed Rogers reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Really can’t recommend this course enough. Matt and Emma were wonderful hosts and teachers. Their woodland is so peaceful and away from traffic and noise. First time I’ve really relaxed in quite a while. The 2 and a half hours flew by and I came away with a mushroom that I was proud of. Both Matt and Emma gave everyone support and I know everyone was raving about it when we were walking back to the cars. I’ve no doubts I will be back soon for more courses"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Ed, thank you for the lovely review. It was great to have you at Manor wood and glad you enjoyed the whittling workshop! Hope to see you again soon. Emma"

Sophie Davis reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"Such a fantastic course in an amazing setting. I would highly recommend."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Sophie, thanks for the review! Was lovely to have you at the course and glad you enjoyed it. Matt"

Conor reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Myself and my partner went for her 30th, we had loads of fun and learned a bunch of new skills. The venue is idyllic, the staff are both knowledgeable and friendly and the course strikes the right balance between fun and challenging. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Conor, thank you for your lovely review. We're glad you enjoyed the course and hope to see you at Manor Wood again soon! Emma"

Dorka reviewed: Bushcraft Skills - Wet Weather Fires and Tarp Shelters

"A really fun and informative day spent in the beautiful Manor Woods. Thank you Matt for sharing all your knowledge and Emma for taking care of us with unlimited cups of tea and cake. Highly recommended!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Dorka, thank you for your review! It was great to have you at Manor Wood and hope to see you again soon. Emma"

Mel Walsh reviewed: Bushcraft Skills - Wet Weather Fires and Tarp Shelters

"An excellent course, full of very useful tips and skills. Hosted by a very affable pair in a great location."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Mel, thank you for your lovely review. We're glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again soon! Emma"

John Kazer reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"A great day - good company and conversation plus I learnt a lot. Was quite happy with my first efforts as well!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi John, thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed the course, hope to see you at Manor Wood in the future! Matt"

Andy Taylor reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a Spoon Carving course with Matt at Manor Wood, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Matt's expertise in using an axe for carving and his mastery of the spoon knife were absolutely impressive. His knowledge and passion for the craft were evident from the start, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. The course was well-structured, allowing us to progress at a comfortable pace. Matt was patient and attentive, providing individual guidance and support whenever needed. He shared invaluable tips and techniques, ensuring that I truly understood the art of spoon carving. Beyond the technical aspect, Matt created a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the workshop. By the end of the course, I had not only carved a beautiful spoon but also gained a newfound confidence in using an axe and spoon knife. Matt's passion and expertise were truly inspiring, and I left with a sense of accomplishment that I will cherish. I highly recommend Matt's Spoon Carving course at Manor Wood to anyone interested in learning this traditional craft. You'll not only gain valuable skills but also enjoy a fun and fulfilling experience under his guidance. Thank you, Matt, for an incredible day of learning and laughter!"

Anthony Ridge reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Loved this course. Even on a drizzly day in Autumn. Matt and Emma had a nice fire going for when we arrived and we had a brilliant day exploring the wood and learning some great skills including fire lighting in wet weather and creating a pot stand from gathered materials. "

Douglas Dawson reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"I had good day learning the art of spoon carving at Manor wood. For myself it was even better being the only student. I took along a lump of wood destined for the fire and Matt looked at it and said I should get 2 spoons out of it. I am not used to using an axe to cut wood but Matt soon had me working without any trouble. The knives I found it difficult as I have been using standard woodworking tools since I was at school. At the end of the day I think we both learned something. ."

David reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Five friends and I had a great day at this course. Matt and Emma were very warm and welcoming and the woodlands are beautiful. Teaching was great and we all learned a lot, many of us are now considering getting our own kit to get more into green woodworking as a hobby!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Thank your for your lovely review David. We are glad you all enjoyed the Introduction to Green Woodworking course, It was lovely to meet you all, hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Emma"

Max and AK reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"We loved it!!!!! Matt was a sweetheart and his woodland is gorgeous. Base camp was beautiful and smelled wonderful. The cake and tea was delicious! The whittling was so much fun!!! Matt is a fantastic instructor. We learned a lot about different techniques and where to get good whittling knifes if we wanted to continue at home. Which we do because it was amazeballs! So much fun! Thank you Matt and Emma"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Max and AK, thank you for your lovely review. I am glad you both enjoyed the session and learning how to whittle. Hope to see you again soon! Matt"

Penny reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"What more can you ask for? My teenage son and myself learnt a new skill, spending a few hours surrounded by nature. Matt, our instructor, was very good at teaching the techniques needed, and was patient and adaptable to each of the group's ages, skills and ideas. He kept us topped up with cake and hot drinks, and even provided us with some pieces of wood to practice at home. We would love to build on our skills by attending more courses here in the future. "

Emily reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"I took part in the Introduction to Woodworking course and it was brilliant, I would definitely recommend! Matt was very knowledgeable, I learnt a lot and had great fun along the way! I'll definitely be visiting again!"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Emily, thank you for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the day learning about green woodworking. We hope to see you again soon! Matt"

Jamie reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Me and my Dad did the Introduction to Green Woodworking and absolutely loved it! By the end of the day I had made a mullet and spatula. A Saturday well spent. Matt is super knowledgeable and really friendly. Emma was lovely, even went to the effort of making homemade muffins. I would 100% recommend and I can't wait to do some more courses 🤞"

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Jamie, thank you for your lovely review. We're pleased you enjoyed the day, we hope to see you again soon! Emma"

Tony Byam reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day learning about foraging, wood splitting and whittling, and various methods of fire building and lighting. Matt was very friendly and helpful "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Tony, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the day learning about bushcraft. We hope to see you again soon! Matt"

Beccy Iddon reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"Really enjoyed making my spoon!! Never used any of the tools before, but Matt’s tuition was superb and I made something which seemed daunting at the start of the day 🙂 🪓 "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Beccy, thank you for your review. It was lovely to meet you and Steve. We are glad you enjoyed the day learning how to carve a spoon. We hope to see you both again soon! Emma"

Steve Iddon reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"Great course where I learnt to use a range of tools to shape wood, and now have my own home made spoon, very satisfying ☺️Matt and Emma were such lovely people and the location was superb. Highly recommended. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Steve, thank you for your review. It was lovely to meet you and Beccy. We are glad you enjoyed the day learning how to carve a spoon. We hope to see you both again soon! Emma"

Richard reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Did this course yesterday 1 to 1 with Matt. He gave me many techniques for carving and whittling. Matt is very skilled in his craft and I would highly recommend him. Made me feel welcome and comfortable. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Richard, thank you for your lovely review. We're glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again soon! Matt"

Carolyn Philp reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"Really enjoyable day using an axe and 2 types of knife to make a spoon. Torrential rain didn’t dampen our enjoyment "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Carolyn, Thank you for your review! Thank you for spending the day at Manor Wood, we're glad you enjoyed it (even in the pouring rain). Hope to see you again soon. Emma"

Maciej reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Excellent course, setting and instructor - highly recommended. The course was fun, well ran, easy to follow, thorough enough that you felt you're learning some skills but also not overwhelming. Matt the instructor was very friendly and approachable, very patient. For me the best part was possibly the location - beautiful ancient woodland, kettle boiling on a real fire, so peaceful and serene."

Cindy reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"A great day of hands-on woodworking in a magical woodland spot. Matt is a great teacher and everything was really well organised while being very fun and relaxing."

Laura B reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Brilliant introduction to whittling for all the family, Matt adapted instructions and guidance for all ages. Beautiful setting, snacks and coffee., we thoroughly enjoyed the morning and are looking forward to returning. Would highly recommend."

Sarah A reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"Great course. Matt is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. Great at teaching and gently guiding to help reach your goal for whatever whittling project is undertaken. Would highly recommend. "

Kerrie reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Don't waste time, book this course immediately! Beautiful unspoilt woodland, everything provided, fantastic atmosphere, leave your phone at home you won't want to be interrupted. Matt is an excellent tutor, knowledgeable, gentle in manor and teaching style, and experienced enough to go with learner interests and inclinations. No expectations or judgements, open to listening and hoping to learn more himself. This proved to be an amazing, most memorable day, even doing nothing would have still been beautiful, despite the rain. We foraged food and fire supplies, naturally swapped stories, made fires in different ways, baked bread (we suggested Matt calls it " a century old family sour dough base" but it's not in him to create a falsehood), made foraged tea, selected woods and used tools to chop and create made to measure tools....mine is already being used at home! Matt somehow makes it all very achievable. Everything is considered, vegan milk options, proper coffee, and Emma's lovely homemade treats..yum! I will be seeking to return to this pair and their wood at every opportunity possible. I've no doubt I will be talking with great enthusiasm about our amazing day for a long time. You won't be disappointed. Guys, please, please, please open a Forest School for adults. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Kerrie, We are so grateful your lovely review! It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both. Thankyou for coming with an open mind and giving the day your all despite the rain. Hope to see you again soon. Matt"

Peter reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"I have not done this before even though I want my son to learn this. I can teach him some, it's just so expensive for us and many others. There will be a time soon when we will all need to know this."