Step back in time and learn the traditional skills that shaped our landscapes and communities. These hands-on workshops celebrate heritage crafts and rural practices, providing participants with a unique, practical, and memorable experience. We can facilitate experiences for up to 200 people, depending on the chosen location. Group numbers relate to each tutor-led session, with the option to divide larger groups into concurrent or parallel activities.
Discover the joy of traditional willow weaving with Paul and Lorraine in our Mini-Wattle Hurdle Workshop. Perfect for corporate teams, this hands-on heritage skill experience allows participants to craft their own 6ft in length by 2ft in height hurdle, ideal for garden borders or decorative edging. Set in the tranquil Surrey countryside 🌳, the workshop combines creativity, focus, and teamwork in a relaxed, inspiring environment.
6 - 10 per session
All outdoor locations
5 hrs.
🤝 Teamwork & Collaboration; 🎨 Creativity & Focus; 🌸 Mindful Relaxation
Step into the heart of Norbury Park’s 1,300-acre woodland for a hands-on team experience like no other. Guided by Paul, your group will discover traditional woodland skills using vintage hand tools to craft Sweet Chestnut fencing posts and hedging stakes. After a warm welcome with hot drinks around the log circle, you’ll head to the coppice to learn:
Debarking Sweet Chestnut with a drawknife
Cleaving wood using a froe, cleaving break, or steel wedges
Pointing stakes with a side axe
This mindful, practical workshop develops focus, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork in a truly inspiring natural setting.
6 - 10 per session.
Norbury Park, Fetcham
Half day, full day or multi-day retreats
🪓 Heritage Skills; 🤝 Collaboration; 🌲 Focus & Wellbeing
Step into the peaceful woodlands of Norbury Park for a hands-on corporate experience that blends traditional craft with environmental stewardship. Guided by experienced practitioners, teams will learn to selectively cut and manage willow, hazel, and Sweet Chestnut from the managed rotation onsite, using heritage tools like billhooks. This practical approach encourages healthy regrowth, supports wildlife habitats, and connects participants with centuries-old woodland skills.
Perfect for team-building, this workshop fosters collaboration, mindfulness, and a sense of shared achievement while contributing to a tangible conservation outcome. Teams leave with new skills, a renewed connection to nature, and a memorable outdoor experience.
6 - 12 per session
Norbury Park, Fetcham
Half day, full day, multi-day retreat.
Environmental Impact; 
Team Collaboration; 
Practical Skills.
Over two days, your team will create a Rustic Gate from Sweet Chestnut coppiced onsite, guided by experienced woodland craftsmen. Teams can follow a recommended design or bring their own.
Day One focuses on design, measuring, cleaving Chestnut poles using a froe, beadle, and cleaving break, and peeling the timber.
Day Two covers shaping, thinning, assembling the gate, applying the final finish, and guidance on fitting and care.
This immersive workshop blends heritage woodworking, practical skills, and hands-on problem-solving in a beautiful woodland setting, fostering teamwork, creativity, and connection to nature.
6 - 8 per tutor.
All outdoor locations.
2 day retreat.
🪚 Practical Skills; 🤝 Team Collaboration; 🌳 Creative Problem-Solving.