Focus on... Traditional Woodland Skills
On a weekend of mixed weather in October, Focus on Forestry First organised a two day Event of Traditional Woodland Skills to take place in the grounds of Penpont Estate.
Focus on Forestry First is an organisation in Wales that promotes and subsidises training courses within the Forestry sector, utilising some of the last strands of European funding. Primarily, most of the courses they offer revolve around mainstream forestry activities. Recently though, they have been aware of an increase in interest in some of the old traditional woodland skills.
The event in October was to demonstrate some of these traditions and invite a select audience to come , experience and ‘Have a go’ at some of the dying skills of the woodland world. It was hoped that the event would stimulate a new level of interest and subsequently courses would be organised to satisfy any demand generated.
A number of artisans were invited from all over the UK and predominately Wales to set up stalls around the main Estate house.
From Horse logging to charcoal making, spoon carving to chainsaw carving, Coracle making and Children’s activities. The days also included Guided walks with leading tree pathologist Ray Woods around the fine arboreal tree collection of Penpont. A wonderment of skills and a day’s worth of interest for anyone connected with the world of forestry.
Traditional basket makers, were well represented;
Lorna Singleton from Cumbria, demonstrated the making of traditional Oak Swill baskets. There are only 2 or 3 makers of these baskets left in the country, and the need to train a new generation of makers is essential.
Michelle Mateo showed us the skill in making Ash baskets, and we were allowed to have a good at beating the Ash log to separate the fibres in the wood to create the lathes used in making these unique and beautiful baskets.
Amanda Rayner of Wyldwood Willow demonstrated the more traditional Willow weaving but showed how it can be used creatively in an artistic way, sculpting shape and forms from the withies.
Deep in the woods Kate Mobbs- Morgan with her powerhouse of a horse Kip showed us how we can extract timber from the most awkward of sites without creating a big impact or damage to the land. The use of horses in sensitive sites is becoming more widely used, and it was wonderful to see this process in action.
In another part of the woods Tegwyn Hughes demonstrated Charcoal making using a traditional 6 foot ring kiln. The kiln was loaded the day before the show and lit, and burnt slowly throughout the event to produce a load of charcoal by its close. A smaller reticulated kiln was also demonstrated showing us how we could turn willow sticks into Artists charcoal in a matter of hours. There is something very evocative about charcoal making, the smell of the smoke, the timeless practice that connects man with the woods, a process that can’t be hurried.
Meanwhile down on the lawn:
Paul Thornton was kept busy with his Spoon Carving workshops. There is something totally addictive about sitting quietly and whittling away a piece of wood creating something that has great utilitarian value. Paul’s workshops were all fully booked, and many people will have caught the bug of carving from his infectious and enthusiastic tuition.
Chainsaw carvers from Thomas Wood Carving showed their skills, transforming lumps of wood into animals of all description large and small. Like duelling warriors they nimbly demonstrated their artistry and provided noise and drama into the event.
Down by the river bank Mick Petts was demonstrating the art of making a Coracle. Using Willow withies to shape the skeleton of the hull before stretching canvas over it to create a waterproof craft. Coracles can be found throughout the UK, each area having its own characteristic design. It is important that the art of making these river craft is not lost.
Gareth Irwin, the resident Penpont Greenwood worker, showed us the depth of his knowledge and skills. From pole lathing to making fine stick chairs, Gareth is a master craftsman, and has learnt the art of traditional welsh wood working from trial and practice and is a fine example of the new age of traditional wood workers that are finding a livelihood for their products and skills.
He is available for training days and weeks and offers courses in a number of disciplines of Green woodworking. As are all the demonstrators who attended the event who are able to offer courses in their skills
Children were kept amused by workshops conducted by Lais Y Goedwig, and Sugar and Spice Catering served wonderful food and refreshments throughout the event.
In pride of place was the Focus on Forestry First Tent offering advice on the event and information regarding courses and tuition for interested parties to follow up.
The two days unfolded gently as groups of people wandered through the grounds immersing themselves into the world of traditional woodland skills. It was wonderful to see like-minded people exchanging stories and information, making contacts, expressing opinions and learning new skills. Events like this are needed to stimulate and inspire new blood into the craft world and to keep these ancient traditions and skills alive. I only hope that we will be able to repeat this on an annual basis.
My Thanks go out to Nic Luxton for organising the event and to Focus on Forestry First to have the vision, and for their help in supporting all the demonstrators who participated. - Gavin Hogg, Penpont Estate.
Some feedback we have receicved following the events
“Really Useful & fascinating. Gareth the furniture maker was a real highlight. ”
“Brilliant day, very informative woodland walk and all demonstrations bvery professional. ”
“Amazing! So many talented craftspeople, all seem to know their craft intuetly - great to be able to ask questions.”
“I really anjoyed talking to so many amazingly talented people. Amazing Venue too! ”
“Fantastic event, the knife carving was excellent - I would like to continue to develop these skills”
“Very friendly and well informed exhibitors. We enjoyed the hands on approach. ”