Traditional Green Woodworking Courses in the UK
Small-group courses in traditional woodcraft, held throughout the year from my workshop near Abergavenny, Wales and at gatherings and venues across the UK and beyond.
Course Description
This page lists all scheduled group green woodworking courses currently available — from weekend workshops in my Monmouthshire workshop to guest teaching at venues around the UK and abroad.
These fixed-date courses offer an accessible way to learn heritage woodworking skills such as bowl turning, spoon carving, hook tool forging, and furniture making. Working with native timbers like oak, ash, and beech, you'll develop practical hand skills using traditional pole lathes, drawknives, and carving tools in small, supportive groups.
Group sizes are kept intentionally small, allowing for individual guidance while benefiting from the shared energy and learning that comes from working alongside others. Whether you're completely new to green woodworking or looking to refine existing skills, these courses welcome all experience levels.
The courses listed here are typically more affordable than bespoke one-to-one tuition, making them ideal for anyone looking to explore traditional woodcraft or as a thoughtful gift for someone who would appreciate learning a heritage skill.
Listings are updated regularly as new dates and locations are confirmed throughout the year, so it's worth checking back if a particular course or time of year isn't currently shown.
Axe block making, knife blade& sheath making (knife blade included), woodland brush, axe techniques: splitting/cleaving, and preparation of stool/bench components for drying.
We'll work with the drawknife, spokeshave, travisher, shave horse, compound angle drilling
Group Bookings & Enquiries
If you're interested in booking a course for a private group — friends, family, or a small organisation — you're very welcome to get in touch.
Group bookings can often be tailored around specific interests, skill levels, or timeframes, and can be held either in my workshop near Abergavenny or at a suitable venue elsewhere.
I also encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about the listed courses, upcoming dates, or which course might be the best fit for you. I'm always happy to talk things through and help you find the right option.
Yoav Elkayam and Dan Watson will run this four day course at Ellekers Woods in Yorkshire, building a complete pole lathe, suitable for turning bowls, plates and cups.
All tools and materials included.
Dates: 13th-16th of August 2026
Build a Bowl Turning Pole Lathe - Yoav Elkayam & Dan Watson
A five-day immersive introduction to traditional green woodworking. Spend a full week with me in the Workshop Barn in Monmouthshire - learning the foundations of green woodworking, from splitting fresh logs to turning your own bowls on the pole lathe. This immersive course offers a taste of the year-long programme, but wrapped into a focused, hands-on week.
All tools and materials provided.
Dates: 13-17 May 2026
Green Wood Week
Bowl turning on a traditional foot-powered lathe.
This beginner-friendly day course introduces you to the rhythm and craft of turning a green wood bowl on a pole lathe using hook tools.
Date: 13th March 2026
Bowl turning day
A hands-on carving course in my workshop based in Monmouthshire.
Learn spoon carving techniques, from axe work and knife grips to refined shaping and finishing, all guided at your own pace and abilities.
Date: 6th of March 2026
Spoon carving day
Introducing Yoav Elkayam
Master craftsman & course leader
I’m Yoav Elkayam, woodturner and craftsman with over a decade's experience practising and teaching traditional green woodwork.
My journey began with a two day workshop, just like the ones I'm offering here. Today, it's a real pleasure to share these valuable heritage skills and build a crafting community.
Together, we can dive into the rich tradition of greenwood craft and create beautiful pieces that carry a story.
