Sallerton Wood reviews

Alice Carpenter reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I bought this course for my Dad's birthday in order to spend time together, learn a new skill and create memories. The course exceeded my expectations; the idyllic woodland setting, lovely tea throughout the day and a fresh lunch, together with like-minded attendees on the course and a highly knowledgeable and friendly tutor, Andy. I had no experience of woodwork prior to the course and certainly didn't expect to come away with 3 different items. I enjoyed the course so much that I have now booked onto a further woodworking course closer to home - I would certainly look to come back to Sallerton Wood for further courses in the future. I would recommend the course to anyone - memories to treasure!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Alice, for your review and recommendation. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment in which it took place. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Bobby reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A challenging and rewarding course that I recommend for anyone looking to get involved in green woodwork or for anyone after an alternative weekend in the woods. I've not only come away with lots of new skills and enthusiasm, I've also got a shave horse for my future greenwood endeavours. Andy is a great teacher and ensured that we used only greenwood techniques to make the shave horse. His hospitality is excellent- he provided us with everything from cups of tea and homemade cake (thanks Jane) to sound advice on how to develop our craft. Well worth the six hour drive across the country and I can't wait to return to Sallerton Wood in the near future!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for that kind review, Bobby. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and we look forward to your return visit to Sallerton Wood in the near future."

Glenn Collins reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A quality course that was both challenging and rewarding. The camping facilities are great and I’ve made a few friends for life around the camp fire."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Glenn, for posting a review. We're glad to hear that you found the course rewarding, and that you enjoyed the camping and the evenings around the camp fire."

Mike Tomson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"You'll get to use a shave horse lots to make one, and use the pole lathe + other skills too. Andy is a good teacher, not too on top of you but there for help when you need it. All of us left with a finished working shave horse and having had a good time together. Camping was simple but good, (Jane's cake was good too!)."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your enthusiastic review, Mike. We're glad hear that you enjoyed the course, and we'd love to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Maxine reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"A truly great week making a side chair in Sallerton Wood. Although I have very little experience in working with wood expert help was on hand from Andy for the tricky bits. Fabulous setting in quiet countryside. I didn’t camp in the wood on this occasion but will certainly do so next time. I came away with a lovely chair that I am proud to say I made just about, all by myself! A great course that I would thoroughly recommend."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Maxine, for your kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and like the lovely chair that you made."

Rob Ellis reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Having just completed the 6 day chair making course at Sallerton Woods with Andy Morton, I would highly recommend this experience to all. I really enjoyed the whole week and Andy was a great host as well as an encouraging and thoughtful teacher. I already had some experience in green woodworking and Andy was able to pitch his guidance just right for me so that I was able to learn valuable new techniques leading on from my current skills and knowledge. I camped on site for the duration and this was also a wonderful experience set right in the woods with rustic but beautifully effective facilities. A hearty lunch was provided each day and I had free use of the woodland kitchen for my other meals which was great. I came home with a beautiful and well made chair entirely sourced from the woods in which I slept. Amazing. Thanks Andy and Jane."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Rob, for that very full and enthusiastic review, and we're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Ben webb reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Amazing course, with great expertise and teaching skills by Andy, friendly and informative throughout in a beautiful peaceful location. Without a doubt I will be booking again in the future, can’t recommend enough."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks Ben, for your review, and we're glad that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We're looking forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood again before long."

Clive Walker reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I had seen the Kuksas on a visit to Oslo so it was a nice surprise to receive the course from my daughters as a Christmas present. I'd done a little carving before but this was in a different league..... I needn't have worried. From the outset, the five of us on the course were made to feel at ease as Andy explained the philosophy of the Sallerton Wood project and took us through the stages of making our Kuksa from cross cutting a large alder log to forming the blank and then finally carving the finished cup. The skills used along the way were extensive and developed a keen appreciation of the material and how it changes during the processes used as well as fine tuning our manual skills where a surprising degree of dexterity was required. I cannot speak highly enough of Andy's obvious love of the environment, his enthusiasm for his art and also his skill and patience as a tutor, knowing when to offer a suggestion or advice whilst always leaving you feeling that you had ownership of your own work. As a place to experience Green Woodworking, Sallerton Wood is ideal. The ten acres of sensitively managed deciduous woodland provide the raw materials whilst Andy, Jane, Alan and friends have created a working environment designed to allow the courses to function regardless of the weather all backed up by excellent woodland facilities. Browse the website and see the smiles on the faces - then sign up for your own course. You will not be disappointed."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your review, Clive, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the course. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again one day."

Trevor Hayes reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What a brilliant day from start to finish. We were welcomed with hot drinks and biscuits followed by an introduction to the day and from then on it just got better. I was expecting to make one item with a bit of help but actually we ended up by making three utilising various woodland tools that I had never used before. Andy was excellent throughout giving his time, knowledge and attention to everyone. We had a great lunch and time to take in the beautiful woodland setting, the sun was shining and the bluebells in bloom plus a stream running alongside the workshop area what more could you ask for? I would highly recommend this one-day workshop, it made us aware of safety aspects when using cutting tools and gave us the opportunity of working with a cross-cut saw, carving axe, draw-knife, froes, the shave horse and even the pole lathe all in the course of a day! Plus you get to take home everything that you have made, fantastic."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your review, Trevor, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the course, and the environment in which the courses take place."

James Roper reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the course having had very limited experience of working with green wood. This was a fantastic course set in a picture perfect setting. Andy is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher with a lot of patience. I had a great day learning about the different types of trees and using the tools to shape the wood. I was very pleased that even for a novice like myself I came away with a decent mallet and spatula as well as having a go on a pole lathe! I would highly recommend this course and I’m now planning to attend another."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words about the course, James, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back for another course in the future. Don't forget to request the Return Booking discount when you book!"

John Rogers reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I have only done one review of a course run by Andy Morton, a Chair making course, I have actually done five courses. 1st stool making, 2nd Chair making, 3rd Shaving horse making, 4th another Chair making and most recently a Kuksa making course. The course its self was run over two days which turned out to be just the right amount of time to complete it. This is a bit different than the normal chair and stool making courses, there is allot of hand carving which I had never done and I wasn't sure I would be up to the task. I needn't have worried as Andy in his usual calm and easy way of explaining how to get from log to Kuksa made it a really enjoyable two days. The only thing I would advise is you take a good pair of gloves as most of the carving is done by hand with allot of pressure on the palm of you hand. A really great two days in fantastic surroundings in the heart of the Devon countryside and I now have my very own hand made Kuksa made by me. I'm sorry Andy I haven't reviewed all the courses I've done but they are all absolutely brilliant and I shall be back later next year for another chair making course, I'm hoping to get a dining set!"

Jane reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Although I've completed quite a number of greenwood projects in the past, I've done very little carving and was a little unsure how I'd get on. It proved to be the perfect way to learn the techniques of carving and how to make use of the different gouges and come away with something useful and to be proud of at the end of the two days. Most of all I enjoyed creating my Kuksa right from square one; from log form and using super-sharp hand tools in the peaceful woodland surroundings that Sallerton Wood offers, which made carving far easier and more enjoyable than I imagined!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Jane, for posting that review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the Kuksa carving. We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Steve reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Enjoyed a very pleasant weekend in the woods and came away with a substantial piece of kit and a range of skills for future use. Overall, a very generous course."

Bob reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Very satisfying learning to use new tools and techniques and being able to complete a shave horse. This will be a useful bit of kit at home to help with a number of green woodworking projects I have in mind. Andy is very patient and knowledgeable. Will consider another course in the future."

Edward Smith reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"......"at the rate we're going I can't see us completing the course" I said to the friend accompanying me around the camp fire after day 1. But we certainly did, and the relaxed pace set by Andy was central to this experience at Sallerton Woods......no rushing, no pressure, just plenty of considered and experienced advice and all set in beautifully tranquil surroundings. We chose to camp, with the discovery of the shower (plenty of room, plenty of hot water) a revitalising bonus after a day on the tools. It was extremely satisfying to learn about the various tools employed and to be left to use them to make my Shave Horse. I really can't recommend this venture highly enough and will certainly return. Thank you, Andy, Jane and little Thomas."

Tom reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I cant imagine a better setting to learn the traditional craft of green wood chair making. Andy's extensive knowledge made the whole process fun and productive, Everyone on the 6 day course had a very nice finished product that they were proud of, each with there own individual character. The techniques and skills used allow you to take home a chair that would last for generations. Very good teaching, beautiful surroundings, great food and company. All in all one of the best experiences i've had in years."

John Coombs reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I did the one day course a couple of days ago and I want to go again. Andy is a competent and very able instructor. He made me feel relaxed and at home right from the start. Clearly there is a limit as to what can be done in a day, but I came away with a couple of fairly respectable spatulas and a hefty mallet and I am well pleased with that. Next time though I want to have a crack at one of the pole lathes. Oh, I should that the setting is stunning at that the catering was pretty good too. Andy make a good brew and they keep on coming. Thanks Andy,. See you again in not too long I hope."

Steven Hanley reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"A wonderful experience. Set in the heart of the woodland, it is a very hands on course. Effective demonstrations of how to make each object, and then it is up to you to try. You experience using shave horses and pole lathes. All the work is done by hand. No electric tools in sight. Andy is friendly, and has good coaching skills. I did wonder if I would be bored, and itching to go home. Not a bit of it. Time flew by. I'm even thinking of doing another course."

Miles Keeping reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I went on a chair-making course in May 2018 and had a fantastic time. Andy is a great teacher who enabled all course participants to develop their skills, no matter what their starting point - we all came away with wonderful chairs, pieces of furniture to be proud of. Sallerton Wood is a beautiful and peaceful environment in which to learn and live (we all camped on site) and this, combined with Andy's relaxed approach, makes courses here an excellent way to learn new skills and develop existing ones. I would thoroughly recommend Sallerton Wood courses to all."

Peter Crawford reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just finished an outstanding week at Sallerton woods on the six day chair making course. We camped in the woods and cooked on wood fires which only enhanced the whole experience The woods are a beautiful and tranquil place to stay and work Andy's tuition is second to none and his home made pizzas are the best I have had. Am thrilled to bits with my chair and would highly recommend sallerton to anyone who has an interest in woodworking and nature."

Keith Kirby reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I can’t speak highly enough of Andy and the courses run at Sallerton Wood. The entire ethos of the courses are very well thought out and and have real depth and harmony with the beautiful natural environment. Small class sizes enable Andy to easily transfer his enthusiasm and considerable knowledge to participants regardless of prior knowledge ensuring excellent value for money. I can’t wait for my next visit!"

Andy Hutchinson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I am in my mid 60’s and I came to this course with reasonable practical skills, but with no experience of any green woodworking or carpentry of any sort. I was using tools I didn’t previously know the names of very quickly and was using those to produce something functional straight away so there was a sense of business, productivity and learning, throughout the two days, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The tuition from Andy was very good and individually focussed. The setting of the course is stunning and the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. The course is excellent value. I produced a shave horse in the two days which may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing piece produced, but I was proud of making it and it may represent the start of a new interest. I would certainly consider another course here and would recommend this particular version to anyone with an interest, whatever their previous experience."

Duncan reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just returned from 3 wonderful days in Sallerton woods making a beautiful little stool under Andy's expert and thoughtful guidance. My stool now has pride of place in our lounge and will be a lovely reminder of a new skill experienced. So pleased I decided to camp on site to enjoy the full experience of this idyllic place. Thank you Andy and Jane."

Carl Smith reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Wow, what an amazing course. Absolutely brilliant all round from scenery, quality of the timber frame building, wonderful hand tools. Andy...well, Andy he's a wonderfully humble teacher, and his family are lovely. Plus you get a beautiful piece of furniture straight from the woods to keep, knowing its built in a sustainable way with no nasties :) Can't wait to sign up for another course with my daughter :)"

Vicky Palmer reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"What a beautiful setting for a green woodwork course. I produced a great footstool under the thorough and patient tuition provided by Andy. I can't recommend highly enough the course and sitting alongside the stream with good food and lovely company was the icing on the cake. Andy and Jane are great hosts and I can't wait to book again.. Thank you ?"