Processing hazel in the Woods – taster day
Thursday 26th March
Make a hazel basket using hazel splints. Processing and making.
Join Rachel Evans for a hands-on one day taster day set in a beautiful woodland setting this spring, where the sounds and smells of the woodland in the Churnet valley will inspire your creativity. Surrounded by the spring light, the trees and birdsong, you'll learn the craft of hazel basketry.
Hazel basketry is a less well known basketry technique than willow basketry. It is listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts as only a small number of people in the country are making them. Rachel learnt how to make these baskets in 2020 and was awarded a grant by Heritage Crafts to study specific historical designs such as a whisket and a cockle basket. 
We will begin with a short walk to explore and select suitable hazel rods, learning how to identify, harvest, and prepare the material with respect for the land and its cycles – and understand how seasonality and habitat influence its properties.
Using beautiful hazel coppiced by Rachel in advance and a few hazel rods cut in the morning during our walk you will be taught traditional methods for processing hazel – removing splints, dressing with a knife and splitting and bending and shaping the hazel to make hoops and ribs. We will prepare splints and ribs.
Using premade hoops you will make a shallow tray. You will be guided step-by-step through the process. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll come away with a  deeper connection to the woodland, and the skills to continue weaving with hazel.
All tools and materials are provided, and we’ll have hot drinks, and a simple soup and bread lunch.
Please note; This course is held outside in a woodland, there will be some shelter under tarpaulins, but it may be cold or rainy so please dress for the cold and wet. As it is in a woodland environment access may be tricky if you have mobility issues. Contact me if you need to discuss.
Hazel basketry is a very physical process, much more physical and strenuous then willow work. If you have problems with your hands, arms, shoulders etc you may find this course very difficult.
You will need to bring, warm clothes, coat and hat. Warm boots such as walking boots, kneepads if you have them. Work gloves if you have some.
Dates: Thursday 26th March 9.45-4.45.
Location: Froghall Wharf, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Why not make a lovely holiday of it and stay at www.foxtwood.co.uk