You are here > Home > What's On > Day event: Spoon-carving and Lunch in the Woods at Heckfield Place
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De-clutch from the hubbub of a modern lifestyle and reconnect with nature. To mark Heckfield's Value of the Curiosity month, they are hosting a one-day spoon-carving/axe-carving open to all abilities from beginners to those looking for a master class.
Sitting around the fire in Heckfield Place's beautiful Sam's Camp, the workshop with lunch, snacks and hot drinks is taught by David Pledger, a highly experienced woodcarver, military survival specialist and a graduate of Ray Mears axe carving.
Good for the body, the mind and the soul, the simple benefits of axe carving fall into two clear aspects:
1. Using 3 simple tools – axe, knife and crook knife – the course teaches how to use these tools, safe cutting and carving techniques and the manipulation of wood to form a spoon. The various curves, concave and convex cuts, stop cuts and relief cuts are all core to axe carving and the use of primitive cutting tools and feature in bushcraft. Different species of tree, their comparative strengths and weaknesses and how to use them are also covered. Put simply, it's the opportunity to learn a simple craft that reflects mankind's needs to create tools and utensils that resonate through history.
2. There is a rapidly growing body of evidence that supports the use of simple handcrafts in promoting mental health. Where these are conducted in the open air, especially in woodland, is also known to accentuate these health stimuli. Often referred to as stress-busting activities, crafts such as spoon carving are known to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and bring calm, a sense of peace and clarity of mind – the very essence of mindfulness. The activity itself is wholly immersive.
David Pledger is an internationally renowned military survival and personal recovery specialist with over 35 years experience in the armed forces. He carved his first survival spoon 30 years ago and has added extensively to his collection ever since. He has significantly refined his spoon carving to include more collectible pieces, but retains a passion for the fundamental style of survival and bush craft.
Previously the senior instructor for both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force survival schools, he has delivered training across the globe in all environments including jungle, desert and the arctic, to UK and foreign military forces. Responsible for the creation of the UK Joint Service military survival organisation in 2008, he has commanded the school twice and has written extensively on all aspects of military survival and Personal Recovery.
For adults and children over 18. Tickets available at the link top right.
FITNESS LEVEL: MODERATE FIT. Please don't forget it rains (apparently) in Hampshire occasionally: please bring rain jacket and comfortable outdoor shoes (no open shoes). (Please don't wear shorts.)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to high demand for the hotel's restaurants, dinner after the event usually needs to be reserved in advance. If you would like to book a table, please email Heckfield Place.
Opening Times
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