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Introduction to Green Woodworking

5(114 reviews)
Concessionary rates available. 10% discount on courses scheduled on weekdays
Hackney
In-person
£295 pp
4 session course
Next available date:12th December 2024
What happens in this class?

This course is designed to give participants an introduction to green woodworking; using hand tools on unseasoned wood straight from the log.

This is a four day course, taught outdoors at our Hackney City Farm workshop. Course dates are either over a long weekend Thursday-Sunday, or weekly on Fridays. Please check the dates before booking.

This is our most in-depth course and can be adapted to all levels of experience. The aim is for you to become safe and confident with an axe and a knife. You will have a go with specific green woodwork equipment: shave horses…

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Things to remember

We have no indoor space and will be working outside in all weathers (under a tarp if it rains) so please come prepared.

No sandals or bare feet please. Walking boots or work boots if you can, a thick sole will help to keep your feet warm in cold weather…

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FAQs
Do you offer concessionary rates this course?
Yes, we offer a limited number of low income rates on our courses. There is no eligibility criteria, these discounts are available for anyone who needs them. This is a trust based system, we do not require proof or even an explanation of the rate you choose.
Can I change my booking?
Our cancellation policy is explained here: https://london-green-wood.live.baluu.co.uk/terms
I am booked on a course, is it going ahead?
Yes, you will receive an automatic reminder email 3 days before your course, via our booking partners ballu.co.uk. If you haven’t received this please check your spam.
It’s raining, is the course going ahead?
I’m afraid so, please come prepared. We have tarps to put up, so even if it’s torrential we’ll try to keep you dryish. We work outdoors in all weathers and will only cancel courses in the event of extreme weather conditions which would make the courses unsafe (ie. a red warning from the Met Office with risk to life).
Do you offer private courses?
Yes, most of our courses have private booking options. We take private bookings up to 2 weeks in advance. The early you put in a request, the more likely we are to be able to accomodate you. If you have a last minute need for a private course, please contact us and we'll see what we can do.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, you can buy gift cards through our booking partners Obby.co.uk. These are valid on over 2500 classes available on the Obby site, including all London Green Wood courses. Gift cards can only be redeemed through Obby.co.uk and will not work on bookings through our own website (the commission is different). Gift cards are valid for 1 year. If you have any queries about gift cards please contact hello@obby.co.uk directly. If you are buying a course as a gift for someone we recommend you come together, it’s more fun that way. We also recommend that you book a space on a specific course date rather than buy a gift card to avoid disappointment, as some of our courses book up several months in advance.
Can under 18s join this course?
No. This course is for over 18s only.
Do you have sessions for children and young people?
Yes, see our Family Whittling courses for 6-8yr olds and 9-18yr olds. These courses are for kids and young people to come accompanied by an adult who will supervise and work with them at all times, each course space is for 1 adult and 1 child to attend together. We recommend that parents/ carers join the course so that they can keep their child safe when whittling at home and be confident in their child’s abilities to work with knives and wood.
Can I bring my dog?
Only guide dogs and assistance dogs please. If possible, please let us know in advance.
Is the workshop accessible for people with disabilities?
Our workshop is outside and at ground level, but there is uneven ground on the way in through the farm. The toilets are on the ground floor, and there is a disabled cubicle. We will do everything we can to make all our courses accessible to everyone regardless of disability. If you are thinking about a course and are unsure if this would suit you, please contact us to discuss. Often in these instances we find the best thing is to arrange a visit, so you can see the workshop and decide for yourself.
Do you have any more dates planned?
Yes. You can join a waiting list to be notified of new dates, https://london-green-wood.widget.obby.co.uk/event/introduction-to-green-woodwork-carpentry-tools-north-london/dates Each specific date also has it's on waiting list, which you can join to be notified if there are any cancellations.
Can I bring my own tools?
Yes please do. We can help you to practice sharpening them on this course. If you have made spoons or anything else before please bring them to show. It helps us to help you develop if we can see what you've made so far.
Latest Reviews
5(114 reviews)
Jackie - 3 November 2024
I so enjoyed four days immersed in learning green woodworking skills. Mat, Graham and Spencer did a brilliant job in taking us through all the steps from selecting the right piece of timber in the woodpile to whittling (or turning) a variety of items as well as how to keep the tools sharp. I'm very pleased with the items I made and the knowledge gained. It's a lovely community.
Alpesh - 17 October 2024
Great hands on experience with a relaxed teaching style. Very rewarding four days.
Ania - 16 October 2024
Awesome four day workshop
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Booking Options
four session course4 classes
from £166
Book for a large groupAre you looking for a large group/private event?

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

18

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Your Teacher

London Green Wood is cooperative of woodworkers practising rural crafts in the city. Based at Hackney City Farm, we work with green wood straight from the log and hand tools. All the wood we use has been felled locally.

We have been running events and teaching courses since 2011. We promise a beautiful setting, friendly people, the satisfaction of learning new skills and a fire when it gets chilly. We run courses for adults and for families. We offer low income and unwaged concessions on many of our courses.

People who have completed our Induction to the Workshop course can…

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Class Location
Hackney City Farm
Hackney
1a Goldsmith Row
E2 8QA
London

Reviews

Jackie - 3 November 2024
I so enjoyed four days immersed in learning green woodworking skills. Mat, Graham and Spencer did a brilliant job in taking us through all the steps from selecting the right piece of timber in the woodpile to whittling (or turning) a variety of items as well as how to keep the tools sharp. I'm very pleased with the items I made and the knowledge gained. It's a lovely community.
Alpesh - 17 October 2024
Great hands on experience with a relaxed teaching style. Very rewarding four days.
Ania - 16 October 2024
Awesome four day workshop
Myshkin - 13 October 2024
Great course with patient and well informed teachers
Aziz - 20 September 2024
This was such a great & much needed experience! Being away from the daily routine of life and in the beautiful park environment all day, while learning a completely new skill was totally refreshing. Graham / Spencer and Jacob were amazing teachers and the whole vibe of the group felt great. Everyday we came back home with a new woodworking piece we've done and the accomplishment feeling of having something out of basically nothing (well trees, but you know) was great. I would highly recommend this course to everyone who needs some space from life itself!
Raleigh - 19 September 2024
Awesome course with wonderful teachers. Highly recommend.
Charlotte - 2 August 2024
Loved the course!
Anne Maguire - 1 August 2024
Had such a great time over the 4 days at London Greenwood. Thanks for all the tips and attention each instruction gave. Excited about the idea of joining such a great organisation.
Angelo - 22 July 2024
Very chilled out and competent people has welcomed us and accompanied in four interesting days of woodworking basics. I would have personally appreciated some written material or links to videos to recap at home the techniques learned. Overall a very good foundation , with nice people and e lovely environment in a beautiful green corner corner, close by a charming cafe and of course trees and plants. I will come again and possibly become a member soon. Thank you.!
Dhruv - 20 July 2024
This was a great course, and time well spent. I would highly recommend it to anybody looking for a new hobby or someone who is interested in working with wood. Graham and Matt were both brilliant teachers and very patient with all of us. Other members of the co-op that I met during my course were also super helpful and encouraging. If you are considering it, you should give it a go!
Gianna - 19 July 2024
Incredible experience! Teachers are very helpful and patient. I learned how to make a spatula, spoon, and spreader. The atmosphere is very peaceful, and everyone was very supportive. Can't recommond enough
Josh - 30 June 2024
4 terrific teachers and 4 wonderful days of carving. Such a nice space to be in and learn.
Shaun Wood - 15 June 2024
I had so much fun. I can't even start to describe the joy of creating my own wiggly spatula. Big thanks to Mat for all his help. A great day
Andrea - 14 June 2024
I truly enjoyed the course. The location within the Hackney City Farm complex was lovely especially as the weather was fine. The trainers were excellent and instruction clear and they gave us individual attention. It was much more physically active than I had expected but it was also very involving, creatively, learning new skills and being part of the green wood experience.
Melissa Littlestone - 9 June 2024
Really knowledgeable professional teachers. Patient and encouraging. I liked how we made 1-2 items per day, building on skills learnt the previous day which helped to consolidate learning. 4 days was the perfect amount of time and there was plenty of time to complete projects without feeling rushed. I was sad to leave at the end of the course. I'll definitely be back for more.
rusty beck - 14 April 2024
A really fantastic course, with passionate tutors that are generous with their knowledge and very gentle. The location is perfect and a insight to a lovely community. The course structure is perfect, ending in a gentle spoon carving after a more physical day of learning how to use the lathe. Tips and tricks make you feel quickly confident using sharp tools and get into a meditative state surrounded by likeminded and supportive people! Thank you - i cant wait to return!
Olivia - 25 March 2024
I did the four day course at London Greenwood and I am so happy I did! I had no prior experience with wood working and the team were so kind and patient with all of us. I picked up so many skills and I would recommend to anyone:)
Sam - 24 March 2024
Really informative beginners woodworking course, I learnt a great range of skills and had a great time doing it!
Pedro Alvarez - 22 March 2024
Great set up, knowledgable tutors, mellow vibes... I'm getting my membership for my birthday!
Natalia Garduño - 19 March 2024
Incredible community! From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us into their green woodworking family. The atmosphere at Londongreenwood is fantastic, fostering a sense of belonging. We had the privilege of learning from various instructors, each displaying immense patience and expertise. The introductory course is an invaluable experience that I highly recommend. Not only do you gain substantial knowledge, but you also have the opportunity to use a variety of tools and techniques. Loved the experience! Don't hesitate to become a member!
Lisa Das - 27 February 2024
Despite awful feb weather, we had a great time, learnt loads and met some v interesting fun people. My various wooden implements are proving to be useful too!
John Hardwick - 16 February 2024
I loved the introduction course that I just finished. Graham and Dave are terrific teachers and they taught us loads in the four days we had together as a group. The tools are great fun to use and the co-op is really well organised.
Feargal Williams - 15 February 2024
Fantastic - the set up is great, the instructors expert, and the introduction course included making so many things and joining the community afterward was exactly what I was looking for. 100% recommend.
Mark - 14 February 2024
Wonderful community of passionate (but not preachy) people. Instructors and other members were all engaging, enthusiastic, and very friendly. Very satisfying few days hands on and learning by doing. The mission of the CIC is also brilliant and a very special find in London!
Alexandru ANDRONIC - 21 January 2024
Great course experience, Graham and Mat have been very friendly and attentive to each member of our group. They had a lot of patience and always put safety first. I could see the progress of my skills as the days passed by. Besides the skills, the course attracts nice and open-minded people. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to start working with green wood.
Martin Murphy - 17 January 2024
I did the intro course and absolutely loved it. Such a cool thing to have in the city. The teachers were brilliant too. I've already joined as a member.
Michelle Crawford - 3 December 2023
This was a great introduction to working with green wood. I learnt a lot on the course
Carla - 2 December 2023
Fantastic. What better way to spend 4 consecutive Fridays in late October/November than outdoors learning a new craft with a friendly group of people and teachers who are quietly passionate about what they do.
Danielle Haughan - 27 November 2023
I just spent an amazing four days on the induction course and it might sound a bit over the top but I do think it’s changed my life for the better. The atmosphere of the work shop is so special - really friendly, calm and creative. The teachers on the course were just fantastic - they know so much and they share that knowledge in such an inspiring and encouraging way. I’m totally new to wood work and I felt so at home there by day 4. I obviously have a lot to learn but I’m excited to have found a place where I can really explore this new passion. Thanks so much London Green Wood team!
Fiona Randle - 23 October 2023
Excellent course - I learned so much and everyone was really friendly, welcoming and helpful.
Amabel Richardson - 19 October 2023
Had such a lovely time on this course! Learnt so much with lovely people in a beautiful quiet setting. The instructors were super knowledgeable and helpful, and all the members were so friendly and happy to help. I would have loved to become a member myself if I were staying around in London. Would 100% recommend! Will definitely pop in from time to time to talk spoons! :)
Esther Gladman - 20 September 2023
This is our 2nd course at London Greenwood, having been inspired by spoon carving last year. We had desk jobs & so having a go at using hands & being outdoors always a tonic. Very enjoyable 4 days & learnt lots. Good instructors, nice atmosphere, relaxed & friendly & a lovely little bit of green space in a busy city. Interesting group. Glad we did the 4 days altogether as this possibly helped reinforce techniques. The time flew by & very absorbing. Not always easy but practice & tips helped. Sadly we live too far to join but the course still worked well for us, & helped improve our confidence to try to use some of the skills elsewhere. Now feel much safer using an axe & sharp knife & sharpening knowledge super useful. I recommend particularly if you are curious and want or like to use your hands.
Maria Isabel Hamelynck Valles - 18 September 2023
Amazing!!!! Very meditative, and fun at the same time!! Inspiring!! Soul nourishing!! Nature connection
Ahmed Ali - 13 September 2023
The induction course was exceptional, with outstanding instructors and fellow participants. There's a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie among everyone in the workshop. One standout aspect for me is the instructors' supportiveness when I presented my own ideas; it truly makes a world of difference.
Sam Christie - 1 September 2023
Absolutely brilliant course. The tutors were excellent, thorough, patient, experienced, knowledgeable, fun, made time for lots of individual attention, always happy to answer questions. Fabulous set-up, better than other similar places, lovely people, great setting. Highly recommended.
Annie Brown - 11 August 2023
It's just a great time
Ksenia Sejenkova - 16 July 2023
The class was a lot of fun! It's very informative, the instructor is very helpful. Instructor explains the techniques very well and give tips if you are struggling to repeat the movements. Really enjoyed seeing the end result.
Vasoulla Savvidou - 16 June 2023
If you love natural things and wood this is for you. Loved every minute. Just waiting for my invitation to join the coop. ❤️
Josh - 15 June 2023
A great experience, with a fantastic group. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there and learned a lot! Happy to recommend giving it a go!
Abbie Leek - 13 June 2023
Wow I had such an incredible experience at London Green Wood.. I started my time with a spoon carving course and immediately booked on to complete the induction as I had such wonderful time! I needed more :)) this course truly unlocked a part of my self that really wanted to connect and create with wood… my soul is happy :) The location is beautiful, especially the light as the trees form a beautiful canopy.. situated right next to a small farm with various animals and each teacher offers support, wisdom and experience in their lessons.. highly recommend this course! Im extremely happy to have found this place :)
Jessie Lai - 1 June 2023
Best thing I’ve signed up for this year. Great environment, great instructors, great and interesting things learned. Chilled and wholesome vibe. Couldn’t recommend it more if I tried.
Judith Hamilton - 13 May 2023
Great so far (1 day of 4). Tutors (Sharon and Graham) couldn't have been more helpful, encouraging and patient. Very willing to take the individual needs and learning styles of each class-member into account. They created a friendly and enabling environment. We seemed to get quite a lot done. They are also very mindful of physical safety in the environment and teaching us to use the tools.
Julia Cooper - 5 May 2023
Wonderful 4 day course - really great teaching, calm and clear. Loved all of the days and feel confident now in using the axe and knife - would recommend to anyone
Marie Binnert - 20 April 2023
Wonderful magical place! I did the 4-day induction and had a brilliant time. Made a bunch of fun stuff (spatula, butter spreader, spoon, mallet!) and learnt so much. I look forward to joining the co-op when I have more time. Lots of love to everyone there! Marie
Sam Evans - 21 March 2023
An incredible 4 days of joy, surrounded by gentle, talented and patient people. The lessons were pitched perfectly for this beginner and I now have a good range of skills to build on. The toasted marshmallows were the icing on the cake! If you need a calm space to learn how to create beautiful things, I can't rate these people highly enough!
Meg Roper - 17 March 2023
Induction to LGW Workshop is an excellent introduction to key skills needed for different aspects of green woodworking. The tutors are very informative, friendly and encouraging, and very generous in sharing their know-how. They all cultivated a focused but relaxed learning environment, in which there was scope to get a feel for the medium and tools but also to enjoy the company of fellow makers, whether those on the induction or the wider membership. I would thoroughly recommend both the course and joining LGW thereafter.
Andrea - 17 March 2023
The induction course was very thorough, informative and also great fun in the lovely workshop at Hackney City Farm. Tutors were excellent - they were supportive, knowledgeable and broke down the processes in easy to understand instructions which in turn made it easy for us to understand what we were trying to achieve. The course focuses on the correct use and maintenance of the various hand tools and equipment which has given me a good foundation to continue green woodworking more independently outside of short workshops. I’d highly recommend it!
Sophie Choudhry - 9 March 2023
I had a lovely time on this course, it was a very helpful and informative introduction to green woodworking for a complete novice. I found the instructions easy to follow as the instructors were very patient. It was very satisfying to have the opportunity to make something and take it home with me.
Ben Clarke - 23 February 2023
This course was really brilliant. All three tutors were very skilled in there demonstrations of the practical skills and safety aspects of carving and turning. They were all enthusiastic and good natured and helped to create a good atmosphere with the class. The bonus was going away at the end with some nice hand made spoons and Spatulas and the skills to carry on and improve at home. I Highly recommend this course.
Vladislav Tukin - 20 January 2023
It's amazing, 😍🤩🤩🤩🤩 I just enjoying my time with you guys.... Thank You so much 🥰
Lloyd Prosser - 25 November 2022
A very comprehensive introduction to tools, techniques, and members at London Green Wood. The four days can be quite tiring, especially if you're not used to using axes and being outside all day. But it was so much fun and jumped on the opportunity to join the cooporative!
Jonathan Joseland - 21 November 2022
I had a great four days learning how to properly and safely, effectively and efficiently use a variety of tools. This is a fantastic course to get you more confident using axes and knives in particular. My sharpening technique has greatly improved also! Recommended if you want a catch all introduction to green wood work, whether you intend to join the coop or not!
Charlie Waterman - 7 October 2022
London Green Wood is a truly special thing, and the team that lovingly organise and run it are wonderful - not only skilled and knowledgeable but also incredibly generous and nice. I learnt so much and had such a great time that having completed the induction I immediately signed up for the bowling carving course too. I can’t recommend it more highly - whether you’re someone who’s just curious and wants to try working with your hands or an experienced wood worker looking to branch out (sorry!) into green wood, then PLEASE don’t hesitate - this is definitely for you.
Michael Johnson - 4 October 2022
Day one of my four day course - great !
Shell Yang - 6 September 2022
All the tutors were so approachable and generous with their knowledge. The course was super well structured. I left feeling more confident, curious about what I will make in the future. The workshop is tucked away in the hackney city farm yard, which lush and woody. I would highly recommend any class from here!
Laura Fialko - 25 August 2022
Great introduction to the tools and techniques…friendly and welcoming place. It’s great!
stephen mccann - 29 July 2022
Great course, from no experience of wood carving at all, learned to use the axe, draw knife, carving knife and pole lathe, made a mallet a spoon a couple of knives and a rolling pin, not all brilliant but gave me a great basis to work from and thanks to the knive included with the cost of the course can work on pieces at home, all the instructors were friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in giving you the best experience, would recommend this to anyone.
Dave Gorman - 12 June 2022
Excellent 4 day course ,taught by very knowledgeable and helpful prople.A great introduction to working with green wood. Totally enjoyable experience. Learnt a great deal.
Beth Ingram - 15 May 2022
Another brilliant course from London Green Wood. Would really recommend. Will def be signing up as a member. The teachers are patient, kind and super knowledgable
Gustav Svensson - 8 May 2022
Fantastic skills, space, and people. Happy to have found this little oasis in London.
Joshua Perers Cook - 6 May 2022
The induction course was easily the best craft or skill workshop I’ve ever done. Great tutors in a lovely space. You come out of it with a solid grounding in understanding green wood working technics to build on.
Mark Hallows - 1 May 2022
Absolutely fantastic introduction to wood carving. Excellent teachers and the most welcoming and fun atmosphere, I can't wait to join the co-op and start working on my own projects
Carole - 1 April 2022
The 4 day course was brilliant with excellent very patient tutors. I learnt such a lot and can’t wait to make more spoons
Cat - 4 March 2022
Very enjoyable time outdoors making spatulas, spreaders and spoons with lovely trainers. Not as easy as it may first appear, but there's plenty of help and guidance. Must try the wood turning next!
Stuart Dennison - 7 February 2022
good!
Mathieu Jones - 31 January 2022
Really informative and thorough introduction to the basics of green woodworking. I had lots of fun and made some new friends. I'm excited to continue my green woodworking journey!
Stephen Blanchard - 19 November 2021
A very full and thorough four-day course. I'd been doing carpentry for years but never really tried my hand at working with green wood. By the end of the course I felt that I'd acquired a whole set of new skills and techniques.
Dan Mackie - 18 November 2021
Relaxing, outdoor course in the autumnal sunshine, learning the basics of wood carving. Super relaxing and informative, from block to spoon, spatula, butter knife, tooling, sharpening, care and safety. Highly recommended.
François Gerard - 15 October 2021
I just loved this workshop with London Green Wood! Super interesting, very well organised, and very kind and relaxing. My main reaction after the workshop was that I needed to find a way to spend more time woodcarving and that London Green Wood was the perfect place to do it!
Roger - 2 October 2021
An oasis of calm in central London. It is difficult to convey in words the immense satisfaction this 4 day course produced, time slowed down, It has left a hunger to learn more. Thank you…
Stuart Walker - 30 September 2021
Exceptional teaching on the four day course. Skills really broken into achievable bite sized chunks. An absolute pleasure to be part of.
Tessa K - 30 September 2021
Move over mindfulness courses! This is the best way to settle the busy mind and have some focussed creative time in a wonderful outdoor setting with a patient and calm tutor.
oliver rakocevic - 22 September 2021
This course delivers what it sets out to deliver... Our tutor, Cyriaque, was patient and knowledgeable. The group was a good size (6 participants) and all the members I met were friendly and helpful. I learned loads and loved it! I am looking forward to returning to LGW for more green woodworking and friendly connections!
Lewis Kay - 22 September 2021
What a wonderful, in-depth course. I learned so much and came away with so much knowledge I can apply to my own work. I'm looking forward to doing more courses with London Green Wood.
Ellen - 1 July 2021
I am a forest school leader and use an axe, knife, mallet, saw regularly. However I had so much fun, taking time out in their beautiful workshop to really learn about fine tool work, sharpening and different green wood techniques and tools. I never knew spoon carving wood be so much fun! I highly recommend the four day intro for anyone who's interested in using their hands for fun, hobby, crafting and to spend time in a calm, social space. The facilitator leading the teaching was helpful, knowledgable and easy to learn from.
Aaida Khawaja - 24 June 2021
I had an amazing experience with London Green Wood. Cyriaque is an excellent teacher, giving us confidence with the tools and grips. I can't recommend this course enough, everyone was so friendly and helpful. Thank you :)
Phoebe F - 20 June 2021
Very informative, knowledgeable instructors and great fun
Asli Deniz Torunoglu - 6 May 2021
Amazing course for everyone interested in green wood! As a complete beginner, I learned a lot from Jo and Cyriac, who are both very good teachers. Definitely recommend!
Nicole Holgate - 26 April 2021
Such an amazing group and a brilliant experience!
Lesley Smith - 26 April 2021
Excellent course very good teachers. Atmospheric venue. Would highly recommend.
Jaxon Diss - 25 April 2021
great course! well structured with super friendly teachers. the new location is great too!
Richard Popple - 23 April 2021
Loving it so far! Shame it's not Abney Park but the guys have done great job of making HCF a nice home. Thanks.
Fabian - 29 October 2020
This is a really great course to introduce you to woodwork. We learnt many different work carving techniques and made lots stuff that we could take home (spoons, knives, spatulas, etc). I’ve now joined as a member and will be going back to the workshop to continue learning and making. 100% recommend :)
Anastasia - 25 October 2020
This was an amazing, discovery filled 4 day experience! Fun, educational, thoughtful, practical, relaxing, intense... it had it all! Lovely conversations, a new useful skill learned, new friends made and time well spent! I just want to keep coming back! And I will, it is already in my plans. If you are considering this course, give it a try! It is money well spent and you will get all of the basic knowledge for your own future green woodworking projects.
janine - 3 October 2020
This was a superb course which I bought for my husband. He found. Jo to be a brilliant teacher who supported the learners different abilities and interests. It was a mixed gender group and he came home feeling accomplished after each session.
George - 5 September 2020
Great class, really helpful, good equipment and a lovely day in a little city woodland corner in the sun. What more can you ask for. Highly recommended.
Kate - 20 August 2020
Lovely place, nice people and great teachers - fully recommend!
Teresa - 16 August 2020
The course was fantastic. The pace was relaxed and allowed for all of us to move forward as a group but plenty of time to go at your own pace and level. The space itself is so nice and everyone was very warm and welcoming. I would strongly recommend the course! A really great way to unplug and be outside and you learn loads. We left feeling very confident in being able to take things forward on our own.
janet - 14 August 2020
Really good course, both teachers very informative and helpful. It was a busy four days and great that we were hands on working all the time Lots of space to ask questions and a good mix of group and individual attention
Tessa - 13 August 2020
The 4 day introduction course was great fun - the tutors were wonderful and I learned new skills each day. I'm can't wait to do another course!
Joanna - 13 August 2020
I really enjoyed the course - teaching was excellent, and the range of tasks was well considered. Would definitely recommend!
Rupert - 8 August 2020
Excellent teaching, new techniques and tools. Good range of items to make and to be able to make a final piece from log to table is a wonderful experience.
Caterina - 29 March 2020
Expert and thoughtful teaching to a small group in a secluded location - it was great to be outdoors even in the cold and wet (under rain cover). Very enjoyable
Valerie - 27 March 2020
I had a brilliant time at the Intro to Green Woodwork workshop. This is done in small groups of six so with lots of individual attention and a really enjoyable group dynamic. The emphasis is very much on learning to use essential tools for green wood work safely, and small projects are done each week to practice these skills. Jo is a brilliant teacher and there is a supportive atmosphere with other woodworkers also working on projects in the outdoor workshop. Lots of tea/coffee and shared snacks. Our 4 week course was interrupted due to Covid-19 restrictions but Jo has kept in touch with us and will arrange for our group to finish the course together when next possible. I can't wait!
Nicholas - 1 March 2020
Excellent course. The tutor was very capable and while being relaxed did ensure a 'safe environment' given the nature of the work and the use of (very) sharp tools. She also was very approachable and was very constructive in her comments. I have now joined the 'Green Wood Guild' and intend to do further courses with them.
Radhika - 3 December 2019
wonderful space in London. welcoming and friendly. Great introduction to green woodworking . thank you
alison - 30 September 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable and invigorating; the classes were the highlight of my week. The tutors (Dave and Jo) were knowledgeable and welcoming and I was amazed how quickly we progressed. They taught us how to use different tools and techniques confidently, always with safety foremost. Every day I took home items I had made and could use. Highly recommended for those who want to be outdoors, learn craft skills, be amongst similar co-operatively minded folk and are happy to take advice from all manner of friendly spoon makers who drop in to use the tools and equipment.
Madeleine - 14 June 2019
A truly excellent course. Having attended several one-day Green Woodwork courses I was keen to do the four-day Introduction. Jo is a wonderful teacher: patient, skilled and encouraging. She tailors the course to individuals and paces things really well. The course introduces you to axing, carving and whittling using straight and curved knives, sharpening tools, and getting into good habits by using tools safely. The atmosphere is always good with a variety of lovely people taking part and other skilled makers working alongside and giving helpful tips, all in the natural outdoor space. Completing the course allows you to become a member of the cooperative and use the facilities thereafter at designated times. Highly recommended. Thanks, Jo!