Make a hay rake

The craft of making wooden hay rakes is on the red list of endangered crafts in the UK. This is an opportunity to spend a day in the woodland workshop, converting a pile of fresh felled wood into a strong and useful rake. The processes you will do include splitting and shaving ash and to make the hoop, head and tines for the rake; driving the teeth through the tine cutter. Also peeling and shaving the handle. Then, once the hoop is steam bent the whole thing can be jointed and assembled.
It is a very full and busy day; there will be plenty of coaching, encouragement and help from Maurice and Johnny the Touch Wood rakists. Each person will make a rake to take home at the end of the day.

All materials and tools are provided. Refreshments and hot drinks are provided around the kettle fire, and participants are asked to bring their own packed lunch.

Full joining instructions with directions to the woodland workshop and the schedule of the day will be sent out on booking.