Training and Demonstrations
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Courses in basketmaking are run throughout the year, drystone walling courses are summer season and hedgelaying, hedge planting and tree planting courses are winter season.

 

Above: Clive randing a log basket.

 

 

We provide basketmaking courses for beginners and intermediates, courses are run throughout the year at our workshop and we also run courses in other venues e.g. The Island Arts Centre Lisburn and The Rural College Draperstown.

Courses can be tailor made to suit specific group needs.

 

Above top: Andy having just finished his first basket

Above: The end result of a Rural College course.

 

Our Demonstrations and Workshops include:

  • Demonstrations at fairs, events and also demonstrations and talks for gardening groups, WI, flower groups etc.

  • Children’s workshops for the Woodland Trust, Environment & Heritage Service and Dungannon District Council.

  • We have just finished running a very successful series of drystone walling courses for The National Trust at Castleward and would hope to continue doing so.

  • Currently we are developing new courses in greenwood turning (“bodging”) and hazel stick furniture.

Training Courses 2009

Introduction to coppice management

In this course we will be involved in carrying out practical woodland management. 

Date: Saturday 21st February 

Course cost: £35

Building living willow structures

This course will look at the techniques involved the construction of living domes, tunnels, arbours and fedges.

Date: Saturday 21st March

Course cost: £35

 

Gardenware

On this course participants will make a garden obelisk (pea stand).

Date: Saturday 18th April

Course costs: £40 (inc materials)

 

Stick furniture

On this course participants will make their own rustic stick chair or stool to take home. 

Date: Saturday 9th May

Course costs: £55 (inc materials)

 

Introduction to basketry

On this course participants will make a round potato basket or ‘skib’.  

Date: Saturday 27th June 

Course costs: £45 (inc materials)

 

Introduction to dry-stone walling

This course is aimed at beginners and improvers and will look at all aspects of wall construction.

Date: Saturday 4th July or Saturday 12th September

Course costs: £35

 

Frame basketmaking

A form of traditional basketmaking, open to beginners and improvers. 

Date: Saturday 18th July or Saturday 19th September

Course costs: £45 (inc materials)

 

Introduction to greenwood turning

We will be working with the shave horse and pole lathe to produces small turned pieces.

Date: Saturday 1st August or Saturday 26th September 

course costs £45 (inc materials)

 

Introduction to hedgelaying

A traditional technique of  hedge restoration and management. 

Date: Saturday 7th November or Saturday 21st November 

Course costs: £35

 

Booking details

 

  • For more details or availabilty please contact us - click here for contact details

  • DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM

  • Course numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment

  • Courses must be booked at least two weeks in advance

  • Group courses can be arranged by request to suit specific needs and venues.

  • If the course you require is not listed please contact us and we will do our best to facilitate your needs.

  • Tea, coffee and biscuits supplied on all course.

  • Please bring a packed lunch

  • We also undertake practical work and demonstrations in all of the above courses.