In ancient times, woodlands provided everything we needed from building materials, food, firewood, herbal remedies, and natural dyes, but have you ever wondered how early craftspeople made what they needed using wood cut from the forest using simple tools like the axe and knife? This course is your opportunity to find out! No prior knowledge or experience of woodcarving is required, and all tools are provided. Botanist, plant geneticist, and woodcarver Nick Gosman will take you through how to sharp tools safely, which tools to buy, and basic carving techniques. At the end of the day, you’ll take home your own spoon. Spaces on this course are limited to ensure 1:1 guidance from Nick.

The day involves:

• An introduction to the greenwood trees and types of wood for carving
• How to use axes and cutting tools safely
• Sharpening axes and knives
• Axe and knife techniques
• Technical overview of the carving process
• Carve your own cooking spoon
• Aftercare of your spoon which you take away with you!

After a career in plant science research, Nick took the chance to change gear due to health-related issues. Along with his daughter Sophie, he took up greenwoodworking to improve both mental health and wellbeing. Nick now carves spoons and teaches workshops outdoors under a rain-out shelter where he can hear the birds singing and enjoy the sunshine in his wooded back yard. Along with his daughter, Nick also makes props for film, TV, and theatre productions, most recently House of the Dragon, as well as selling his hand-carved spoons and bowls online and at craft fairs and festivals. His ethos is centred on sustainability and the use of wind-fall wood collected from local forests. Each spoon is a meditation on the use of hand tools to create simple wooden utensils that have a unique personality all their own, just like their maker!