hurdle making course – 1 day
Our hurdle making course generally runs once a year. If there are no dates available below, please contact us and we will confirm when the next dates will be released.
John is also the resident expert on hurdles for LowImpact.org
We have made some changes to our Course Program – please see our Course Update page for more information.
| date: | 1 March 2025 (FULL) |
| overview: | Learn how to split long, thin rods in half, then use them to weave a strong traditional wattle panel to take home. Hazel will be available to buy at the end of the session so that you can carry on making your hurdles at home. |
| start time: | 9.30am tea/ introductions for 10am start |
| lunch: | approx 1pm – 2pm please bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks will be provided. |
| finish time: | approx 4.30pm |
| cost: | £130pp |
| tutor: | John Waller |
| cancellations: | we will provide a full refund if you cancel your place more than 14 days in advance of the course start date. Please note that we will be unable to refund your course fee or transfer you to another course if you cancel your place less than 14 days before the start of the course. |
| what to wear: | Wear sturdy shoes or boots at all times. Please also wear warm, comfortable clothes that are suitable for the current weather conditions. You will be outside for the entire day. |
| course size: | maximum of 6 participants |
| what to bring: | All tools and materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring along any interesting tools! |
| how to book: | Booking Form |
| location: | Courses and volunteer days are held at Bore Place, between Edenbridge and Sevenoaks, Kent. Bore Place is an environmental and educational charity on a 500 acre organic dairy farm, set in beautiful low weald countryside. Converted farm buildings and a Jacobean Manor House offer accommodation if required, with walks and local pubs to enjoy when you’re not wooding! Directions will be sent to you once you’ve booked on a course and can also be accessed from the Workshop Directions Page. |
| accommodation: | Depending on availability, there are cottages to rent on site for £185 per night (minimum of 2 nights). It is essential that you contact Bore Place in advance to book accommodation. Please call 01732 463255 or email bookings@boreplace.org. There are also two beautiful yurts and two cosy shepherds huts on site - see Free Range Glamping for more information. |
Submit your review | |
John is a really good teacher. He showed us each stage of manipulating the materials to construct the hurdle. We learned that it requires great skill and technique to produce a well made hurdle in a day, and we shouldn't expect too much of ourselves as beginners. It was hard work but we found small victories very rewarding - splitting the hazel is very satisfying when you do it right! Thanks for a lovely day.
A warm welcome with a cup of coffee over which John gave us a brief history of Bore Place and its principles.He explained the skills and techniques and interestingly how his own experience modified some of the written methodologies. Johns reassurance that we would be making a few mistakes en route and this was all part of the learning process - and it was.John remained relaxed, encouraging and demonstrated each stage of the hurdle building in bite sized pieces on his own hurdle that we proceeded to emulate on our own modest creations. A very enjoyable day, in good company that has set us on course to add to our skillset with further practice !
Just wanted to send a quick email to say how much I enjoyed the hazel hurdle course. It was such an enjoyable and inspiring day. You gave us very clear instructions and I felt I learnt an enormous amount. It was great to gain an insight into what was involved in working with hazel. After the course I bought myself an old elwell billhook which is so much easier to use. Thank you for all the tips and giving us such a great day. Many thanks again.