Ellekers Wood is a 20-acre planted ancient woodland in North Yorkshire; undergoing a restoration back to native broadleaf cover with coppice.

-Details-
Spend a two-day workshop discovering how to weave a square-bottom to round top ash splint basket with Chelle Mateo. The techniques that participants will learn have their roots in traditional basket making of North America.

The course will cover:

-Preparation and background-
Each ash splint used to weave the basket starts as a section of the tree’s growth ring and is created through pounding an ash log. Students will do the process themselves and learn the different tools used to prepare them including strip cutters and carving knives.

-Processes and finishing-
You will learn how to do basic weave, understand form and tension.

-Basic theory-
Identifying ash, discussions on choosing a log for pounding, the pounding process and the threat of ash dieback to the species.

Although some previous experience of basketry may be helpful, it is not essential.

***Students must have good physical strength endurance as the first day is very labour intensive. ***

The skills learnt throughout the course will give you the foundation to adapt future baskets to your own design and it will give you a new appreciation of the mighty ash; its durability, flexibility, strengths and weaknesses.

Instructions
The course will begin each day at 9.30am and end at 4.30pm.

Catering:

For all courses, a hearty, healthy lunch is provided (please let me know of any dietary requirements when booking), along with tea, coffee and water. Breakfast and evening meal is self-catered, with firewood and charcoal-based cooking available.

They also provide firewood, brew-kit, washing up and cooking facilities, crockery and cutlery.

Guests should bring; barbecue food or pans for cooking on a fire for breakfast and evening meals.

Facilities:

Facilities include covered workshop spaces, an undercover outdoor cooking set-up, comfortable compost toilet, plenty of loo roll, and handwashing. A good stone track leads to the wood where there is space to park, please keep speed under 10mph.

Camping available:

Those on the course are welcome to pitch a tent or bring a camper van, and arrive from 6pm Friday. Ellekers Wood ask for a cash donation to go towards the wood restoration funds of £15 per person per night. This can be paid in person.

•⁠ Cancellation policy

This course requires 4 weeks written notice via email to cancel or reschedule and the course cost will be refunded or your place can be transferred onto the next course. 

Less than 4 weeks from the beginning of the course, the booking is not transferrable or refundable unless your place can be filled. We will advertise your course and in the event we are able to sell the place at short notice, you shall be refunded for the full amount.