Winter Woodland Woodcarving
On Saturday 25th January we headed into the woods for our first workshop of the decade. After postponing our autumn woodcarving workshop twice due to stormy weather, we were really looking forward to finally getting this one underway.
We teach woodworking on our workshops from three different perspectives. Firstly, as a traditional craft skill, teaching the techniques required to make something beautiful and functional from green wood with simple tools. Secondly, as an outdoor skill, showing how the same techniques and tools can be used on adventures in wild places, offering a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly to us, as a vehicle for nature connection, providing insights into the wonders of wood, trees, woodlands and nature as a whole, passing on the knowledge we’ve gleaned from nine years living in the woods ourselves.
We find that during the course of a workshop the group tends to gravitate towards one of these three perspectives in particular, although we always include elements from each. On this workshop, the focus was definitely on nature connection and our usual woodland walk and talk ended up taking longer than planned thanks to the inquisitive nature of the group - to the point that we were slightly worried whether we’d have time left to make anything! Our walk always includes some practical tips on tree identification, showing how to spot the species that produce the best wood for carving, but we also delve deeper, exploring interconnectivity in the woodland community, from underground mycelial networks to the way in which trees respond to light, shade and competition.
We also point out micro details that are easily missed, especially in the winter time when much of the woodland appears to be in slumber; there is a hidden world of beauty and wonder to be found in the woods if you only take the time to notice nature.
Although a knowledge of natural history is not essential in forming a connection with nature - in fact we believe it starts with an appreciation of the aesthetic and sense of wonder - a little bit of knowledge can help those who already feel a kinship with nature to delve deeper, encouraging them to intentionally seek out the beauty found in nature rather leaving it to chance. After all, how can you appreciate the intricate the beauty of a tiny hazel flower if you don’t know how or where to look for it?
Even with axes chopping away and knives shaping and carving, talk of trees is never far away on our workshops as we relate back the structure of wood and woodgrain to the processes that keep a tree standing. Wooden spoons slowly emerged from what were billets of silver birch and with the light fading on an already rather gloomy winter’s day, we drew closer to the fire to hollow out our spoons with crook knives. Just before it gets too dark to work safely, we down tools, build up the fire and admire each other’s work with celebratory beers in hand (mostly non-alcoholic thanks to Dry January!).
Our next workshop will be in spring by which time the woodland will look quite different. Wild flowers will be emerging, buds will be unfurling and the woods will be buzzing with life and activity making it one of our favourite times to host a workshop. If you’d like to join us, take a look at the details here. Hope to see you in the woods!