Join us for a 1-day introduction to whittling (wood carving) by making your own country hiking pole. Led by wood skills expert Clive Walker, you will spend the day selecting and cutting your wood from our estate and then fashioning your own walking pole.  

You will start the day exploring our estate where you will select and cut the wood for your stick from Hazel coppice stools in our ancient woodland. 

You will then return to the barn area where you will fashion your hiking pole using a variety of hand tools such as draw knife, spoke shave and chip carving knife and learning techniques such as bark removal and free expression carving, all under expert guidance. 

 

ABOUT CLIVE: 

Clive Walker started greenwood carving many years ago mainly as something to do while sitting on Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition checkpoints waiting (often for hours) for teenage walkers to arrive. In his spare time, Clive volunteers at West Horsley Place; generously using his wood skills to create beautiful objects for our shop.  

 

IMPORTANT INFO: 

Ticket cost: £75

All materials and equipment provided including safety apron and gloves. 

No previous skills or experience required.  

Age 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied)

Tea/Coffee will be provided.  

Please wear appropriate clothing for working outdoors and weather. Please wear sturdy shoes.  

Access Information: Please note that this workshop is not suitable for people using wheelchairs or buggies. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be able to cope with walking on uneven ground.