Tales from the Wood

A short video with guest appearance from ‘Little Grey Fergie’ (born 1955)

The birch thinning has now been completed for this season and the stems seem to be the perfect length for making up short faggots. Interestingly, the short faggot or ‘nicket’ was standardised in 1474 as measuring 3 feet long by 2 feet in circumference. Historically used as a fuel source; Read more…

Now that spring is upon us and the bracken has withered, it’s time to thin out the new plantation. Lots of self-set Douglas fir and Scots pine have emerged from the undergrowth, and I guess, I must have now cleared over 1000! I’ve kept a few on, to fill out Read more…

Two nights chasing the Northern Lights and this is the result. On the subtle side, I admit, but this is an un-retouched smartphone image. It followed a red alert from my AuroraWatch app, measuring a whopping 300 nanotesla (whatever that might mean!). I’m guessing the glowing cloud is the reflected Read more…

Repairing the fence that circles the wood is an ongoing task. Although I regularly undertake tree inspections, stormy weather can push over even the soundest of specimens, and windblown trees seem to gravitate towards the fence line! It’s hard work, but, at last, I’ve invested in a wire strainer which Read more…

Just under the bark of most tree species, you’ll find the phloem layer which transports essential carbohydrates to the rest of the plant. Its fibres have been used for millennia to make numerous products such as cordage, baskets, and textiles. Commonly called bast fibre, it is harvested from the felled Read more…

Occasionally, with a bit of help from our dogs, Bertie and Nellie, we find cast deer-antlers in the wood. Deer antler is an amazingly workable and strong material, little wonder that it has been used as an essential tool-making resource for millennia. I’ve just made this nalbinding needle – it Read more…

It’s been a privilege to be working at Voewood House over the last few weeks, constructing four garden arches for the sunken formal-garden. The finials were made from a red stoneware and inlaid with geometric patterns drawn from the architectural details of this fine Arts and Crafts house. The house Read more…

Sometimes a commission comes through that takes you to a fascinating area of green woodworking. In this case, it’s for sixteen carved oak posts to support wrought-iron, garden arches. The garden surrounds a stunningly beautiful Arts and Crafts house and I will be looking to reflect some of the architectural Read more…

At last, they are finished and in place. These ash gates are based (loosely) on the traditional gate-hurdle with draw peg joints for the stiles and bars. As a contemporary twist (literally) I’ve included adjustable anti-sag cables with turnscrews – just in case someone fancies gate-swinging…please don’t!