Learn the ancient skills that have been handed down for generations.

Open to both experienced woodworkers and novices who would like to gain experience with traditional timber framing techniques. The weekend will start with a holistic approach to the use of wood in construction, beginning in the forest. We will be using larch because unlike oak, it is widely available in the UK and represents a more sustainable choice. Time will be spent in the woods connecting with the natural world, as well as in the framing yard.

The weekend includes; tree selection, milling, introduction to natural building and hands on construction of a larch timber frame and will also include a consideration of sustainability of our forests and nature awareness. The frame to be built will create a small barn for the organic garden at Embercombe, to be built adjacent to the large scale ‘Linhay’ project which is creating a Land Based Learning Centre, built from Cob and Oak. You will be given the opportunity to make some scarf joints for the roof of this prestigious project.

The course tutors:

James Brown is an experienced timber framer who previously worked for Carpenter Oak for 7years. Now self employed, he is exploring the creative aspects of timber framing.

Duncan Passmore is a natural builder and carpenter who has been constructing natural buildings for ten years.

Mike Gardener is a forester, miller and carpenter who has a rare degree of experience and holistic approach to forestry and the use of timber.

arrive:

9.00am for a 9.30am prompt start (9.30am start daily)

depart:

The course finishes at 4pm on the Sunday

what to bring:

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring waterproofs and safety boots if you have some, we can provide for those who don’t have.

let us know:

If you have any special needs

price:

£300.00 for the three days

accommodation:

Lunch and dinner will be provided on the first day, accommodation will be in beautiful yurts with woodburners and handmade beds. The two full days will include breakfast.

For more information about Embercombe and the current construction project to build the Linhay Land Based Learning Centre, visit:

www.embercombe.co.uk/linhay