Learning about trees
through craft
A hands-on course for woodland enthusiasts
12 workshops spread through the winter months from October to March
The course is mainly outdoors and set in the beautiful surroundings of
Westonbirt Arboretum
We fell a birch tree and then with the guidance of our expert tutors we make lots of beautiful items to keep and use.
Woodland and wildlife management
A short introduction to how to look after a wood and problems you may need to deal with
Handmade Treen
Make useful pieces from various parts of the tree for your table and kitchen
Carving spoons and shrinkpots
Craft a simple spoon from greenwood and learn the art of making a wooden pot
Kuksas and chopping boards
Shape greenwood with axe, knife and chisel to make these traditional pieces
Birch bark crafting
Get to know birch bark and make knife covers from this remarkable material
Forest furniture
Using greenwood, to make a rustic stool and table
Jane Gray-Wallis
Host and senior tutor of the course
I am a coppice worker with eighteen years of experience working in several woods in Gloucestershire. I teach green woodworking at the GL11 Community Hub in Cam and have been a spoon carving tutor for the last six years. I feel really blessed to be able to work in such a beautiful environment. Though perhaps less so when the rain is dripping down my neck! It is a personal joy to pass on my skills to other people. There is a growing spoon carving community in the UK. It is a wonderful hobby whether you carve alone in the woods or in the company of like-minded souls. However you are placed: come to the woods, breathe deeply and create something beautiful.
Spoon Southwest
Click on the logo to learn more about spoon carving courses with Jane
Course dates for 2025 – 2026
The course is divided into two groups – a Sunday Group and a Monday Group.
The Sunday Group
October – 12th and 26th.
November – 9th and 23rd.
December – 7th and 14th.
The second December date is one week later. This is so we don’t run too close to Christmas.
January – 11th and 25th.
February – 8th and 22nd.
March – 8th and 22nd.
The Monday Group.
October – 13th and 27th.
November – 10th and 24th.
December – 8th and 14th (Sunday).
The second date in December is one week later and a Sunday. We will join the Sunday group.
January – 12th and 26th.
February – 9th and 23rd.
March – 9th and 22nd (Sunday).
The second March date is a Sunday. We will be joining the Sunday group
Please email Take One Tree for further details and costs.
Meet the tutors
Jane Gray-Wallis – lead tutor
Jonathan – spoon carving enthusiast and shrink pot maker. My craft background is in leatherwork but I really enjoy being in the woods and using the materials I find around me. There is more about me at:
Graham
Pete
Brian
Jack – I create unusual and exciting bespoke oak products, crafted using traditional methods and tools. You can find out more about me at:
Ross
