About

The Course

The bow and arrow have a crucial part in human development and remain to this day of the most efficient hunting tools.

About

The Course

The bow and arrow have a crucial part in human development and remain to this day of the most efficient hunting tools there are. The bow shaped Britain, from its very earliest appearance (archeological ) at Star Carr over 12,000 years ago during the mesolithic or middle-stone age, to the iconic weapon that changed mediaeval warfare forever...

The oldest bow so far discovered was a flat bow design found on the moors of Holmegaard in Denmark. Made from a young elm tree sapling, it was perfectly efficient.

Our Stone Age ancestors knew how to make a very effective bow, relatively easily, in the wild. Learning the skills to do the same is an exciting journey.

This two day course begins with a brief history of the bow and various designs from throughout European history. It is then important to understand some of the factors affecting the bow's design and the key principles in bow making. We source our Hazel staves locally in the Peak District.

You will gradually bring your bow alive from within the seasoned wood, carefully shaping it and developing a skilled eye and learning to work with the grain and qualities of the wood.

This complete course will take you through the techniques of bow making, from identifying the best wood for the bow, and arrow to fletching, knapping a flint tip, making pine glue and ultimately how to treat and shoot your newly created bow.

During the final stage of the course you'll receive one to one tuition from an ex GB archer and learn to shoot, there may even be a competition who knows?

Highlights:

Learning the Flemish Bow string

Natural fibers and flint tools

Working outside a Mesolithic hut

Wild lunch (Both days) Cooked by students mid way through each day

Participant Information:

Workshop participants must be over 16 years old. Unless prior agreed with Lewis before booking.

Please bring suitable outdoor clothing and shoes as this course takes place outside. Participants must wear long trousers and closed shoes, regardless of weather.

Fee & Refreshments:

Our pricing includes tuition, materials, a wild lunch, teas and coffees. Any dietary requirements must be sent over upon booking so that we can make arrangements.

Terms & Conditions:

Please read our terms and conditions for information regarding our booking and cancellation policies. By booking this workshop you are accepting and agreeing to these terms.

One to one experiences:

We also offer 1:1 or 1:2 experiences bow making with Yew, Ash and Elm as well as Hazel. Simply get in touch via email with the heading 'Experience'.

Description supplied by the event organiser.