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Greno Woods
Sheffield, England, S35 8RS
United Kingdom

07927871192

At Howl we specialise in journeying skills, the Bushcraft we practice and teach is that of the traveler. There is a wonderful simplicity that comes from taking a trip in the outdoors, a pragmatism gleaned from necessity. We draw from this experience in the field to teach a set of skills and knowledge based in expedience and realism, skills that actually get used while outdoors. We provide an insight into the Natural world, opening up a vast array of natural resources and knowledge to help you travel with less reliance on the contents of your rucksack: it’s what you carry in your mind that matters.

 

 We teach these practical skills in a friendly and open way, our hope being to enable you to make your adventures into the Great Outdoors memorable and enjoyable. We'll help you cultivate a positive attitude, a confidence in yourself, and a connection with the natural world through which you travel.

We promote the utmost respect for the environment, the ability to pass unnoticed through the woods brings with it a deeper understanding of the wilderness, and our part in it. It is this philosophy which forms the very core of our work.

We promote the utmost respect for the environment, the ability to pass unnoticed through the woods brings with it a deeper understanding of the wilderness, and our part in it. It is this philosophy which forms the very core of our work.

Working with Birch Bark - Basketry and Container making

Bushcraft Courses

Join us at our stunning oak canopied private woodland set within the Harewood Estate of West Yorkshire. Our canopied basecamp and a wood fire ensure our clients keep dry and the kettle is always boiling so bring along your favourite brew.

All of our sessions are run with a maximum of 10 people, that way we can maintain a low presence in the forest in order to experience Nature up close. The small group sizes also ensure a high level of interaction with the instructor, we'll get plenty of one to one tuition through the workshops to develop your skills at your own pace.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, we're very open and there's no obligations.

Working with Birch Bark - Basketry and Container making

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Working with Birch Bark - Basketry and Container making

£295.00

This unique opportunity to work with Birch Bark in the Slavic tradition is brought to us by Siegurd van Leusen.

“Birch bark is an incredibly strong material and has been used for all kinds of purposes for centuries. When waterproofing a roof, making canoes, shoes, clothing, all kinds of containers, decorations and toys. Even with the discovery of Ötzi, the 5300-year-old mummified snowman in the Alps, the oldest preserved human being in the world, remains of two birch bark containers were found. Birch bark is perhaps the oldest most functional natural product there is.” - Siegurd.

During Siegurd’s time in Russia he was taught by the great Vladimir Yarish, and a great passion arose for this beautiful natural product. Siegurd has shared that passion for years by giving unique courses on working with birch bark according to the old Slavic culture.

Join us to make your own, and take home a couple of basketry projects made from the fabric of the forest.

For 2024 Siegurd is returning to run the course with us again, and this time around we’re so excited to include the rare and decorated Tavlinka pot as one of the projects you’ll make.

Dates:

Future dates will be announced into 2026

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WHAT’S COVERED: 

In the evening on the first day we have an introduction to birch bark so that you can get a feel for it. The basis is very important for this course because it helps enormously in the subsequent finer crafts over the weekend. That night you’ll settle into the woodland surroundings for a wild camping experience as the camp fire flickers.

On Saturday after a warming breakfast we will weave a small basket. We do this according to the cross weaving technique and is the basis for almost all braid variants, with a general understand of this method you can explore a whole world of craft projects. In preparation for Sunday, we will also prepare everything for the cylindrical container that we will work to complete by the end of the course. The weekend includes a second night camping in the woods with us, and all the meals will be cooked over the campfire.

An intensive course that requires hard work, but in the end you come home with beautiful projects that you can be very proud of and a lot of knowledge about this beautiful material: birch bark!

  • History and culture of birch bark

  • Background information harvesting birch bark

  • Learn to work with birch bark

  • Learn to work with spruce root

DETAILS:

  • From 3pm Friday - 4.30pm Sunday

    • The starts fully at 9am Saturday morning and wraps up at around 4.30pm Sunday.

    • The is an option to stay over in the woods with us on the Friday Evening so those travelling from further away or those wanting an extra nights camping in the woods.

    • You’re also very welcome to stay in the woods with us on the Saturday night, but equally you can pop home and return Sunday morning if you’d prefer not to camp.

    • The Harewood venue has lovely composting loo’s and a quiet woodland setting to sleep in the trees.

  • £295 per person

  • Small group size with a maximum of 8 guests to ensure we create a subtle atmosphere in the woods, and you get a very high interaction time with the instructor.

  • A full kit list is given out on booking, but you won't need much more than your usual wild-camping gear.

  • This course is fully catered starting with an evening meal on the Friday, and finishing with lunch on Sunday. Please inform us of any dietary requirements, we're happy to cater to any needs.

  • Due the involved nature of this course, we don't feel its suitable to under 14 year olds (please ask if you have any questions)

  • Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult

  • Run in a beautiful Private Woodland just south of Harrogate. We'll send you exact directions with the booking pack. The venue will see you wild camping in the woods, with on site toilets and a shower.

  • Lead Instructor: Siegurd van Leusen

  • Support Instructors: Jamie Dakota & Adam Logan

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