Wilderness crafts

The Wild side of Life offers a wide range of Wilderness Crafts Workshops ranging from absolute beginners to custom courses.

You can browse our regularly scheduled courses by selecting them in the menu, or  enquire about a custom course to suit your needs. Subjects offered from time to time have included ancient metalsmithing, coppice crafts such as gypsy flowers and spoon carving, simple basketry and coracle making.

The skill of coracle making was passed on to Fred by the late Olivia Elton-Barrett, Prime Warden of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, and he now proudly carries on her tradition of building the ‘Stort Solo’, a style of woven willow coracle based upon the fabulous river Boyne curragh of Ireland, from hand harvested willow. Coracle making courses are available in many years but not during every year due to time constraints.

The next one is planned for spring 2023, if you would like to take part then please email Fred below to be put on the waiting list.

For ALL course inquiries contact Fred@thewildsideoflife.co.uk