This project encourages and supports community in relearning how to work, rest and play together, co-operatively with nature, for the great good.

Orchard Barn Environmental Education Community Interest Company (OBee CIC) Registration Number 6379982 - Wildfire Designs 2007 - Photographs by Richard Smithson

Previous Courses

It’s all happening at Orchard Barn - see photos below.

This week, the barn and yard are buzzing with activity. Today is Day 3 of the first Timber Frame repair course. We've got an enthusiastic team of participants joining us daily from local villages such as Battisford and Nettlestead, as well as hardy souls camping in the orchard from Cambridge, London and as far afield as Dublin! ......... From wide-ranging backgrounds (as well as locations), Tom, Nick, Simon, Jerry, Nick and Richard have been getting stuck into crafting scarf joints, chiselling mortices, planing up new sole plates. They are enjoying the delights of using traditional hand tools such as 'a 'slick' (a chisel of mammoth proportions). Then there are the discussions about the delicacies of what is worth repairing, and what to consign to the firewood heap!

 

 

 

 

 

This is what some of the participants say about their experience so far:-

  • 'Fun and relaxed teaching environment with a passionate tutor. Highlight so far: standing on a log hewing using an axe!' Richard
  • 'Great experience - teacher is patient with this complete novice and we are well looked after. Working with hand tools and getting to know the wood and participants has been an absolute pleasure.' Gerry
  • 'Fantastic leaning process, inspiringly taught, greatly physical, all washed down with apple wine.' Tom
  • 'The tutor Rick is extremely knowledgeable and patient. The students are encouraged to participate at their own pace. The 6 students originate from a wide variety of professions that lend themselves to a rewarding course, and the food is good.' Nick

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