London Green Wood | Introduction to Green Woodworking

This course is designed to give participants an introduction to green woodworking; using hand tools on unseasoned wood straight from the log.

This is a four day course, taught outdoors at our Hackney City Farm workshop. Course dates are either over a long weekend Thursday-Sunday, or weekly on Fridays. Please check the dates before booking.

This is our most in-depth course and can be adapted to all levels of experience. The aim is for you to become safe and confident with an axe and a knife. You will have a go with specific green woodwork equipment: shave horses…

Things to remember

We have no indoor space and will be working outside in all weathers (under a tarp if it rains) so please come prepared.

No sandals or bare feet please. Walking boots or work boots if you can, a thick sole will help to keep your feet warm in cold weather…

Do you offer concessionary rates this course?

Yes, we offer a limited number of low income rates on our courses. There is no eligibility criteria, these discounts are available for anyone who needs them. This is a trust based system, we do not require proof or even an explanation of the rate you choose.

Can I change my booking?

Our cancellation policy is explained here: https://london-green-wood.live.baluu.co.uk/terms

I am booked on a course, is it going ahead?

Yes, you will receive an automatic reminder email 3 days before your course, via our booking partners ballu.co.uk. If you haven’t received this please check your spam.

It’s raining, is the course going ahead?

I’m afraid so, please come prepared. We have tarps to put up, so even if it’s torrential we’ll try to keep you dryish. We work outdoors in all weathers and will only cancel courses in the event of extreme weather conditions which would make the courses unsafe (ie. a red warning from the Met Office with risk to life).

Do you offer private courses?

Yes, most of our courses have private booking options. We take private bookings up to 2 weeks in advance. The early you put in a request, the more likely we are to be able to accomodate you. If you have a last minute need for a private course, please contact us and we'll see what we can do.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes, you can buy gift cards through our booking partners Obby.co.uk. These are valid on over 2500 classes available on the Obby site, including all London Green Wood courses. Gift cards can only be redeemed through Obby.co.uk and will not work on bookings through our own website (the commission is different). Gift cards are valid for 1 year. If you have any queries about gift cards please contact hello@obby.co.uk directly. If you are buying a course as a gift for someone we recommend you come together, it’s more fun that way. We also recommend that you book a space on a specific course date rather than buy a gift card to avoid disappointment, as some of our courses book up several months in advance.

Can under 18s join this course?

No. This course is for over 18s only.

Do you have sessions for children and young people?

Yes, see our Family Whittling courses for 6-8yr olds and 9-18yr olds. These courses are for kids and young people to come accompanied by an adult who will supervise and work with them at all times, each course space is for 1 adult and 1 child to attend together. We recommend that parents/ carers join the course so that they can keep their child safe when whittling at home and be confident in their child’s abilities to work with knives and wood.

Can I bring my dog?

Only guide dogs and assistance dogs please. If possible, please let us know in advance.

Is the workshop accessible for people with disabilities?

Our workshop is outside and at ground level, but there is uneven ground on the way in through the farm. The toilets are on the ground floor, and there is a disabled cubicle. We will do everything we can to make all our courses accessible to everyone regardless of disability. If you are thinking about a course and are unsure if this would suit you, please contact us to discuss. Often in these instances we find the best thing is to arrange a visit, so you can see the workshop and decide for yourself.

Do you have any more dates planned?

Yes. You can join a waiting list to be notified of new dates, https://london-green-wood.widget.obby.co.uk/event/introduction-to-green-woodwork-carpentry-tools-north-london/dates Each specific date also has it's on waiting list, which you can join to be notified if there are any cancellations.

Can I bring my own tools?

Yes please do. We can help you to practice sharpening them on this course. If you have made spoons or anything else before please bring them to show. It helps us to help you develop if we can see what you've made so far.

Elaina - 22 March 2025

I did the full woodworking induction course, it was fantastic! I had never used woodworking tools before and I found it a supportive environment, it was great to take things I’d made back with me everyday. I would fully recommend

Morgan Glover-Evans - 17 March 2025

really lovely experience, everyone was super friendly, relaxed atmosphere and enjoyed every minute of it :)

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7hrs event1 event

from £166

Introduction to Green Woodworking

Age Requirement