CELT Weekend in the Woods 6th / 7th May 2006

clare | environment | event notice Thursday April 27, 2006 12:20 by CELT - Centre for Environmental Living & Training info at celtnet dot org 061 640765 & 087 6324644

Choose from 15 Traditional Skills / Ecology courses

WEEKEND IN THE WOODS
6th / 7th MAY 2006
Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, County Clare.

CELT's Big Woodland /Countryside Skills Training Event
CELT presents, in association with Muintir na Coille (Coppice and Allied Trades Association), choice of 15 courses in environmental and ecological trades for all levels. Trainees already having basic skills are welcome to develop their skills further with the guidance of our highly qualified tutors. Courses are open to all over 14 years.

Free Camping. Come earlier if you'd like to help with setting up.

Courses.

Dry Stone & Lime Mortar Walling
Traditional construction techniques for walls and buildings - also garden features (retaining walls, raised beds, seats). Steel-toe-cap / strong boots recommended.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson

Herb-lore
Identification of woodland plants and use of them to make teas, tinctures, ointments, salves, soups, salads.
Course tutor: Kes Clarke

Greenwood Furniture
Selection of different types of native green hardwoods and using them to make interesting furniture using the natural shapes and grain of the wood. Materials charge 20 euro.
Course tutor : Stuart McIntyre.

Bushcraft
An introduction to living in the wild - using the skills of the hunter-gatherer together with a bit of common sense and knowledge of the plants and creatures of the forest, to not only survive, but enjoy it ! Bring a sharp knife and waterproof clothing + a change of clothes.
Course Tutor: Del Harding

Longbow Making
Using traditional hand tools to produce a longbow. This course will include arrow making and firing techniques - materials charge 20 euro.
Course Tutor: Michael Moylan

Wood Carving. SORRY THIS COURSE IS CANCELLED
Using local timber, participants will learn carving techniques and use/care of hand tools. Materials charge 7 euro. Carve an ogham panel or oak leaf panel in 2d (2 dimension)
Course Tutor: Andrew St Ledger

Blacksmithing
Use of small portable forge to make hand tools and decorative wrought ironwork - 10 euro materials charge payable with course fee.
Course Tutor: Peter Collins

Coppersmithing / Tinsmithing
Making basic containers using recycled materials. This is a unique opportunity to gain basic skills in coppersmithing using simple hand tools - Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Andy Harris

Basket Weaving
Traditional willow basketry skills for many uses and the varieties of willow available - Materials charge 7 euro.
Course Tutor: Peter Sheehan

Shave-horse construction
Make your own 'shave-horse' for shaving down lengths of timber for a variety of uses - an essential tool of the green-woodwork craftsman. Materials charge 15 euros.
Course tutor: Eoin Donnelly view image

Natural Building
Phase 2 of construction of a roundhouse with reciprocal frame roof. Methods include stonework, cob (earth, straw and sand), cordwood (logs built into cob).
Course tutor: Saul Mosbacher

Silversmithing
An introduction to silver jewelry making. Design and make your own jewelry pieces starting with a ring or pendant. If you have a semi-precious stone that you would like to incorporate in jewelry, bring it along. Also bring protective apron and stool / chair if you can. Small materials charge.
Course tutor: Susi Lewisohn view image

Whittling
Use of gauges and knives to create spoons, tool handles, etc, from pieces of native timber. Materials charge 5 euro per item.
Course tutor: Mark Wilson

Sugan Chair making
Using green wood and sisal to make your own small traditional sugan chair.
Materials charge 5 euro.
Course tutor : Sean Walshe

Wattle and Daub (* Subsidised course - special rate 80 euro for 2 days)
This ancient method of wall construction is very ecologically sound and sustainable, using local materials. Learn to split lengths of hazel and weave the wattle framework which is then 'daubed' with a plaster of lime, sand and fibre. The course will also cover the basics of coppice management.
Course tutor : Joe Gowran

Ti-pi making
Design, preparation and stitching of canvas to make a cover for a 9ft children's lodge. Also pole preparation and configuration. Materials charge 90 euro.
Course tutor : Ti-pi Dave

Thatching
Phase 2 of thatching the roof of our traditional round-house - an introduction using local reed.
Course tutor : Harry Bartelink

Course fees : 120 euro (100 euro unwaged)
[Membership is a requirement - 15 euro (10 euro unwaged)]
Plus any materials charge (payable in advance if possible, or at reception)
Non-refundable deposit 50 euro per person (+ membership if applicable) to be sent to confirm booking. Please give 2nd and 3rd choices if you can as some courses may be quickly booked up and please state if you have any previous experience in the skill of your choice.

On-line Booking: http://www.celtnet.org

Courses run 10.30am - 5pm.

Good wholesome food available. Also Teahouse & Camping

Strong boots / Wellingtons, Raingear, Penknife are recommended.

Centre for Environmental Living and Training, c/o East Clare Community Co-op, Main Street, Scariff, Co Clare, Ireland.
Phone : +353 (0)61-640765 +353 (0)87-632 4644 E-mail: info@celtnet.org