Walderchain Wood reviews

27 Jul 23'

Buffy Tucker reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Peaceful day in the woods...primarily to understand how charcoal is made for drawing. I love drawing with charcoal, it's so versatile for expressing light, dark, subtlety...you can rub it back and rework and also emphasise line and tones as you wish. I had no idea I could make enough for my own use at my own home, and good enough quality. It's quite a mindful experience, as we also become attuned to the life of the birds and creatures around us. Mark is so informative about raptors in the sky above us, and the life beneath our feet too. The process of charcoal making is explained....the need to exclude oxygen, the timing, etc. The excellent tutoring by Kim allows all to experiment with mark-making if you need further familiarity with this medium. And invaluably, she helped us find a way into producing a drawing....what do you exclude, what direction do you take, what do you work into? Cristina's wonderful veggie food was most welcome and absolutely was perfect for what we needed...and it's a social experience, forged between likeminded people. Totally worth it. If you haven't sat in the woods lately under an amazing parachute canopy and gone home smelling of delicious woodsmoke, do it. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Buffy Thank you for your lovely review. Glad you enjoyed the day and got so much from in it. All the best Mark"

10 Jul 23'

Hannah reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was my second class with Mark, having attended a class last year. I had a great time and felt that the class was as good, if not better than last year. Mark is a patient and thoughtful teacher and the location really grounds the idea of working with green wood and taking time to focus. Cristine's lunch was incredible (as it was last year) and the group was small enough for Mark to focus on each of us. I highly recommend this class!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah Thank you for joining us again and for your glowing review. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

8 Jul 23'

Jono reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Fantastic experience! Mark was very welcoming and knowledgeable helping each of us to achieve a finished spoon. We enjoyed a delicious, homemade lunch by Mark's partner Cristine and welcomed in to their home. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try something new or people looking to improve their woodworking skills"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Jono, Thank you for joining us and for your review. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

16 Jun 23'

AdrienneB reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

" I attended a Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury with my teenage son. We both enjoyed the day immensely. Mark is very knowledgeable and personable. He managed the expectations of everyone on the course and tailored the day to suit all students. Lunch is served which was homemade and delicious. We both left the day with a wooden spoon and will definitely be returning. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Adrienne Thank you for the review. Glad you both enjoyed the day. Look forward to seeing you back here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

11 Jun 23'

Daniel reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Wonderful day. I learned so much about the wood and the tools, and how not to lose a digit… I’ll definitely be using the skills I learnt. Magical setting in the gorgeous woods, too. Mark and Christina were very hospitable. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Daniel, Thank you for joining us and glad to hear you got so much from the day. All the best MArk and Cristina"

4 Jun 23'

Tom Gibbs reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Really fantastic day learning how to carve our spoons from green wood in a beautiful setting. Mark was an excellent teacher, very patient and clear with his instructions, I'd highly recommend for anybody interested in all things wood and natural!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tom, thank you for taking time to review the class. Glad to hear you had a good day. All the best Mark"

28 May 23'

Neil reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Great day and learnt a lot from Mark. The woodland setting is beautiful and the course is taught in straightforward and friendly way. Thinking about taking this course? Do it!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Neil Thank you for your review. Glad you got so much from your day here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

2 May 23'

elizabeth mavor reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Enjoyable, full day making spoons using axes and knives. Learning how to use a axe to split a log and slowly but surely make the spoon that’s hidden inside. Lovely venue in peaceful bluebell woods . "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed your time here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

27 Apr 23'

Will Johnson reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Really good course, Mark and Christina were very welcoming. I was very pleased with my finished spoon."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thanks for the review Will. Glad you enjoyed it. ATB Mark and Cristina"

19 Apr 23'

Linda Thackeray reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. Mark was very interesting and informative and we all came away with a hand carved spoon axed from a log! Christine fed us very well and I enjoyed the walk through the woods. I would recommend this course if you are looking for an interesting and rewarding day out. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Linda Pleasure to meet you and glad you enjoyed the day. I look forward to seeing your future creations. ATB Mark and Cristina"

17 Jul 22'

Simon Wake reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I would just like to say what a wonderful day I had at Walderchain Wood. Mark is a very knowledgeable person in every aspect of the spoon carving/whittling processes and knows what types of wood to be using for different applications. The small group of us were lucky enough to have a tour of the woodland areas explaining different aspects of keeping and maintaining the woods. The course itself was very in depth and Mark explained every aspect very clearly, going through how to use each tool efficiently and safely. I will be using the skills I learned in the future to make more spoons. I cannot recommend enough if you want to reconnect with nature and have a great day spoon carving. P.S Thanks Christina for a lovely lunch :)"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed the day and to hear you'll be making more spoons. I look forward to seeing your future creations. All the best Mark and Cristina "

4 Jul 22'

Claire reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A deeply fulfilling day in wonderful surroundings and I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience for anyone and all ages! It left me feeling that it’s definitely the start of a new historical craft appreciation chapter. Many thanks, Mark for sharing and Cristina for an amazing lunch and welcome."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Claire, Thank you for joining us and your review. I'm flattered to hear you had such a profound experience :) All the best Mark and Cristina"

3 Jul 22'

Wendy reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"We had such a lovely day at Walderchain Wood. The location was beautiful and Mark was an excellent teacher. He explained everything clearly, was attentive and the pace of the course was just right. We all managed to produce a spoon to be proud of. Thank you Cristina for the delicious lunch and the homemade oat milk. I would highly recommend this course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Wendy Thank you for joining us and for taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina "

16 Jun 22'

Hannah Lees reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I cannot fault Mark's session in any way, an absolute pleasure from start to finish with a wonderful crescendo of Cristina's DELICIOUS lunch in the middle! Mark is an excellent teacher with a generous and easy manner and a gentle approach. His woodland is glorious and I was made to feel very at home. I came home with a spoon and a shopping list, thanks to Mark's incredibly useful follow-up email. I would definitely book again :-)"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah Thank you for joining us and a such a nice review! Looking forward to seeing your next creations. All the best Mark and Cristina"

14 Jun 22'

Sam Bowen reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"From start to finish the day was incredible. I'm not sure what i was expecting, but splitting a log with an axe and then crafting an actual workable spoon from it was quite magical! The setting is calm and nurturing and i felt rested and fulfilled at the end of the day. Mark was an excellent tutor, patient and kind and when i explained i'm dyslexic, he drew arrows on the wood to show me which way to cut. Truly a gifted teacher to adapt to my learning style so easily. The other partipants were lovely too and it was a pleasure to get to know them. Plus the fabulous lunch... all in all a good day for the soul and much needed."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Sam Thank you for your lovely comments. Glad you enjoyed the day so much. All the best Mark and Cristina"

5 Jun 22'

Matt reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a splendid way to spend the day! We learnt a lot from an excellent teacher running an extremely well organised and thought out course The company and the food were excellent The time flew by as we were totally absorbed, and the wood was a lovely place to be Oh, and i came home with a spoon."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Matt Thank you for coming and the lovely review. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

4 Jun 22'

Rosie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"So much fun! Totally absorbing, learnt loads, lovely people and a beautiful setting. Will recommend to everyone."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Rosie Glad you enjoyed your surprise day out and thank you for leaving a review. All the best Mark and Cristina"

4 Jun 22'

Nathan Tough reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What an excellent day! The location, the company, the craft, it was all perfect and I came away feeling peaceful and satisfied. Mark has extensive knowledge, ability, and importantly, patience. Definitely give this course a go!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Nathan Thank you for the review. Great to hear you had a good day. Maybe see you back here a some point. All the best Mark and Cristina"

3 Jun 22'

Emma Harrison reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What an AMAZING day! I loved every moment of the course. With a friendly welcome, Mark took us on journey of skills and information to wooden carving spoonery. The lunch was delicious too. I loved my day so much i could have stayed all week!! BRILLIANT. I have already made numerous recommendations."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for leaving a review and spreading the word. All the best Mark and Cristina"

3 Jun 22'

James reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was an excellent day. Well organised, well paced and in a superb setting. I keep recommending Mark and this course to everyone."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"James Thank you for the review and recommendations. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

28 May 22'

Anne O’Driscoll reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a great day we had in the beautiful forest with Mark and Cristina! Expert tuition and generous hospitality and the chance to become totally absorbed in an activity that challenges mind and body. A perfect day, thankyou!!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Anne Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

25 Apr 22'

Hannah Browning reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I booked this course on the strength of the reviews and I just wanted to take time to echo what others have said! The course exceeded all expectations. Mark was a very welcoming and knowledgable host who had set up his 'workshop' with care. Everything had been set out and was explained, allowing us to learn about the craft of green woodwork, not just to create the final object. This time of year (April) his woodland was looking beautiful, and we worked with a 360 degree view of bluebells and woodland anemones. There was a perfect balance of instruction and practical, with Mark always on hand to support. The benefit of learning in a small group was we all got a great deal of individual attention. Lunch, provided by Christina, was delicious. Home made soup, cake and coffee at the dining room of their home was a real highlight of my day, and allowed us to get to know the other people and to hear about Mark's future plans. An after-lunch stroll around the woodland was a lovely touch too, allowed us to appreciate the environment and hear about woodland management. The afternoon flew past as we were so focussed on creating our spoons! We left with not only a spoon, but also knowledge of how to make another, tips and techniques and felt very inspired thanks to Mark's enthusiasm and passion. I completed this with my 14 year old son (his choice of birthday present for himself!) Mark was very patient with us both and I would highly recommended this course, for young or old. A fabulous day and one we will remember for the rest of our lives."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah, thank you so much for the lovely review. Glad you both enjoyed and got so much out of the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

24 Apr 22'

James Benn reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Superb setting. Perfect working space, with everything needed at hand. Utterly professional instruction, delivered with warmth and enthusiasm. A really good day... and I had a spoon at the end of it!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"James Thank you for taking time to review your day here. I'm glad you had a good time, you carved a great spoon - I hope you're going to carve some more. ATB Mark and Cristina"

25 Oct 21'

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I have to echo all the previous reviews on this site, I had a completely enthralling day learning about spoon-carving with Mark in a magical location. Mark’s passion for woodcraft and the woodland flora and fauna comes across from the moment you meet him. As a teacher Mark is a consummate professional, starting with an overview of the tools used and giving just the right level of guidance at the start of each stage and being there when you needed further guidance or help. Lunch followed by cake, prepared by Cristina, his partner, was really, really tasty. I finished the day totally relaxed with a passable spoon. The follow-up information provided by Mark after the class included a good range of resources and information. To summarise, great teaching, wonderful location and good food. Many thanks, Simon"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm glad you got so much out of the day. I must say though you sold your own efforts rather short - you produced an enviable spoon! Thanks again Mark and Cristina"

10 Oct 21'

Anne Baruch reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A brilliant day with clear instruction in beautiful surroundings - and a spoon to go home with!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Anne thank you for joining us, glad you enjoyed the day. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with the rest of the cherry All the best Mark and Cristina"