Learn how to Whittle a letter knife and spoon from green, sustainably sourced wood during this introduction to wood whittling.

Tutor: Danny Manning

During this intensive and fun Introduction to Wood Whittling, students will learn about the best types of ‘green’ wood for whittling, the optimum time and ways of sourcing local sustainable wood, coppicing and basic wood management. During the morning students will whittle a letter knife from a small ‘green’ wood branch and during the afternoon learn the process of whittling a spoon from a small piece of seasoned lime. The session will conclude with oiling and finishing your finished whittled creations. It is hoped that, while at Woods Mill, we will be able to take advantage of any windfall wood on site.

You will need to bring a pair of safety gloves and a whittling set of Knives (including a hook knife).

Danny Manning is a basket maker and textile artist based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and has been a member of the Basketry Association since 2020. He has developed his craft through exploring Sussex folklore, customs and traditional craft techniques, working with his own locally grown willow and unconventional materials found on the South Downs.

Why not arrive early and spend time exploring the bird life on the reserve. Woods Mill is a prime example of what the wider countryside once contained. Visitors can walk past the old ponds and lake, through the ancient woodland, alongside the streams and waterways into the unimproved meadows with their wild hedgerows. This variety of habitat attracts an impressive number of species including mammals, insects, amphibians and birds.

Venue: The Classroom, Woods Mill Nature Reserve, Henfield, BN59SD

What to bring: A pair of safety gloves and a whittling set of Knives (including a hook knife). It is now possible to buy a set of three whittling knives, with a polishing kit, on Amazon. These sets must be razor sharp (please read small print). One of the knives is a hook knife suitable for scooping out the centre of a bowl or spoon.

Pack lunch, snacks and drinks for the day. Tea and coffee will be provided. Sturdy boots or wellies and outdoor clothing, should you wish to explore the reserves.

Other information: Free parking is available at the reserve. Public toilets can be found in the car park and classroom.

Public transport: Compass Bus 100 Burgess Hill-Pulborough stops outside Woods Mill. Monday – Saturday service. Check timetable for updates.

Accessibility: Both the classroom and toilet are wheelchair accessible. If you need any adaptations to make your time with us more comfortable, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk and we will be in touch.

If our standard priced tickets are simply out of reach at the moment, we have a limited number of concession tickets available. These are available to all with no questions asked.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend an adult course or event.

Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

Photo © Danny Manning

Description supplied by the event organiser.