July 6 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
£70
Whether you’re new to traditional crafts or already familiar with natural materials, join us for a one-day immersion into the ancient art of bark container making. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll learn how to transform raw bark into beautifully crafted shrink pots and folded containers, skills once relied upon for both practical and decorative purposes. Set against the historically themed backdrop of Park In The Past, this course will reconnect you to the land and teach you how to work with nature’s resources in a meaningful and creative way.
This unique course is perfect for beginners and experienced bushcrafters alike, offering an opportunity to develop hands-on skills that can be practised and adapted to future projects. From selecting and harvesting bark to crafting containers with natural fibres, you’ll experience the satisfaction of turning simple materials into functional, handmade creations.
Your tutor for this course is primitive skills expert Billy Souter:
“Working with bark is an ancient and timeless craft. From the act of stripping bark to stitching it into functional containers, this process connects us to a slower way of living and the wisdom of our ancestors. The beauty of working with natural materials is that no two items are ever the same. These containers not only serve practical uses but also tell a story of the land they came from.”
By the end of the day, you’ll leave with one or two beautifully crafted bark containers and the confidence to apply these skills to your own projects. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient crafts, expand your bushcraft knowledge, or create something both practical and decorative, this course offers a rewarding and enriching experience that celebrates nature’s raw beauty.
- Learn how to identify and harvest willow bark for crafting.
- Gain hands-on experience preparing bark and understanding its properties.
- Create traditional shrink pots and folded containers using techniques passed down through generations.
- Process a range of natural fibres and learn to lash and secure bark crafts for strength and durability.
- Understand how to select and work with different materials for your desired craft.
- See the natural world through the eyes of our ancestors.
Your Tutor: Billy Souter
“My passion for Bushcraft came to life in my mid teens and quickly led me venturing down the path of primitive living skills.”
“Having found my passion and decided I wanted to expand my knowledge and pass these skills on to others. Since this time I have trained with various incredible teachers within this field and have used these skills in different environments including Scandinavia, Europe and North America.”
“In recent years I have developed and provided engaging Bushcraft sessions at an Outdoor Centre and Public workshop events for Children, SEN groups, Adults and training to forest school providers. I now also work as a Guest Instructor for established schools and individuals teaching Primitive Living Skills.”
You can view more of Billy’s excellent work via his facebook page.
Skills you will learn
Over the course of the programme you will learn a range of skills, including…
Your day will begin with arrival at our woodland basecamp, set amongst trees and wildflowers. Here, Billy will introduce you to the ancestral relationship between people and the natural landscape, explaining how our ancestors worked with materials such as bark to create functional and beautiful containers.
The morning begins with learning the essential skill of bark harvesting. Together, the group will carefully remove living willow bark from trees, learning techniques to ensure it is gathered sustainably. Billy will guide you through the preparation process, demonstrating how to clean, soften, and ready the bark for crafting. You’ll gain an understanding of how to select the right materials and prepare them for the task at hand.
In the afternoon, you will begin crafting your very own bark containers using traditional methods. Under Billy’s expert instruction, you’ll create both shrink pots and folded containers, using natural fibres to lash and secure your creations. You will also learn how to process and work with a variety of fibres for strength and durability, producing functional items that reflect the resourcefulness of our ancestors.
Throughout the day, Billy will share insights into the history and importance of bark crafts and will display a selection of his own primitive skills creations to inspire you. From natural cordage to bone tools and bark-based items, these examples will showcase the possibilities of working with nature’s materials.
Book now
This course costs £70 per person and is open to adult learners aged 16 years and over. You can read our Event Terms & Conditions here.
