Description
Date: 3-4 July 2026 (2 Days) 9.30am-5pm
Location: ELLEKERS WOOD, nr BOROUGHBRIDGE, NORTH YORKSHIRE YO61 2SE
Ellekers Wood is a 20-acre planted ancient woodland in North Yorkshire; undergoing a restoration back to native broadleaf cover with coppice.
Course Details
Come and explore the traditional techniques found in Scottish frame baskets (more commonly known as arm creels) once used by fishing communities along a small stretch of the northeast coastline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These baskets were carried by fisher wives to display fish at markets and on their selling rounds.
Learn how to weave your own version of this traditional creel using a distinctive construction method that produces a strong, sturdy basket with a striking arrow detailing that appears once the ribs are trimmed. You’ll also learn how to ‘pack’ the basket using a technique that builds up the weave in selected areas to fill out the shape. Completed creels make great foraging or harvest baskets and are equally useful as tool baskets or for carrying a knitting project on the go.
All materials and tools are provided.
Some previous experience with willow is helpful but not essential. Please note that working with willow can be demanding on the hands and requires good hand strength and flexibility. If you’re comfortable working with your hands, this workshop can be a great first introduction to basketmaking.
Catering:
For all courses, a hearty, healthy lunch is provided (please let your tutor know of any dietary requirements when booking), along with tea, coffee and water. Breakfast and evening meal is self-catered, with firewood and charcoal-based cooking available.
We also provide firewood, brew-kit, washing up and cooking facilities, crockery and cutlery.
Guests should bring; barbecue food or pans for cooking on a fire for breakfast and evening meals.
Facilities:
Facilities include covered workshop spaces, an undercover outdoor cooking set-up, comfortable compost toilet, plenty of loo roll, and handwashing. A good stone track leads to the wood where there is space to park, please keep speed under 10mph.
If you are interested in Camping at Ellekers Wood please contact Rachel for more details
Course Cancellation Policy:
If Rachel or Ellekers Wood need to cancel the course for any unforeseen reason, for example, tutor sickness, extreme weather etc, a refund will be given in full.
If a participant wishes to cancel their place, the following applies:
Up to six weeks before the course, full refund (less £8 card charge fee if booked by card).
Less than six weeks before the course, no refund, unless the course place can be filled.
