Utilise a variety of wood whittling techniques to create birds using the nature reserve as inspiration during this fun, intensive day.

Learners will handle both lime and green woods to create a small woodland bird in the morning and a larger bird in the afternoon.

The course is suitable for complete beginners.

Correct handling of knives will be covered and step by step instructions in both projects.

Please note learners will need to bring a sharp set of whittling knives ( not a Swiss Army knife) safety gloves, note books and some soft pencils (2B-6B). All wood will be included in the course fee.

Refreshments included.

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.

Why not arrive early and spend time exploring the bird life on the reserve. Woods Mill (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/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: Classroom, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

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

What to bring:

A pair of safety gloves

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.

Note books

some soft pencils (2B-6B).

Pack lunch, snacks and drinks for the day.

Wellies and wet weather gear are recommended if you would like to walk around the reserve.

Public transport: Compass Bus 100 Burgess Hill-Pulborough stops outside Woods Mill. Monday – Saturday service. Check timetable (https://compass-travel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2025/02/100.1.2.3.4.pdf) for updates. Please note that the walk between the bus stop and the reserve is on a busy road with no pavement.

Accessibility: Some manual strength and dexterity is needed for this activity. Both the classroom and toilet are fully accessible. If you would like to discuss any adaptations that will make your time with us more comfortable, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk and we will be in touch.

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

As a thank you to our members, for supporting our vital work across Sussex, we offer a discounted price on most of our courses. Join Sussex Wildlife Trust today. (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/make-a-difference/join)

We have a limited number of concession tickets available to anyone who finds our standard rate tickets out of reach for at the moment, including senior citizens, students and currently unemployed. No proof required.

Please read our terms and conditions (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/terms-and-conditions/course-and-events-bookings-terms-and-conditions) before booking.

(Price inclusive of Eventbrite booking fee)

Photo: Whittled birds © Danny Manning

Description supplied by the event organiser.