Woodland Craft Handbook

The Woodland Craft Handbook is an inspirational yet practical guide to traditional crafts, woodland coppice products, and forest permaculture. Step into the shoes of woodsman Ben Law as he explores this diverse collection of crafts made from materials sourced directly from the woods.

Brooms, rakes, pegs, spoons, chairs, baskets, fencing, and walking sticks are items that are one-off and unique, hewn and shaped by hand, and infused with a simple, rustic beauty.

With fascinating information on the history and traditions of the crafts, coppice management, tree species, and the tools and devices used, we learn about all aspects of the low-impact woodland way of life. Much like the traditional techniques associated with the woods were passed down through families, this book aims to help secure their relevance and adapt them for future generations.

Author: Ben Law, woodsman, craftsman, eco-builder, teacher, and writer, lives and works in Prickly Nut Wood in West Sussex, UK. The building of his unique woodland home was featured on Grand Designs in the UK and was voted by viewers as the most popular episode ever. Ben runs courses on sustainable woodland management and permaculture, runs a specialist eco-building company, and trains apprentices. Ben Law is the author of several books, including The Woodland House (Permanent Publications, 2005), The Woodland Year (Permanent Publications, 2008), and Woodsman: Living in a Wood in the 21st Century and Woodland Craft (GMC Publications, 2015).

Selling Points:

• 15 rustic projects (including green wood) with detailed how-to instructions, photos and illustrations.
• Many projects are made with green wood.
• Includes sections on crafts for the farm and garden, crafts for the home and wood fuel, plus handy directories of tree species, tools, and devices.
• Caters for all levels of ability: from simple woven panels and carving spoons to making a steam-bent lounger.
• Includes fascinating historical snippets that reveal the rich traditions behind the crafts from the era before industrialised mass-production.
• Will appeal to people with an interest in traditional crafts, woodland management, sustainability, permaculture, and the countryside.

220 photographs, 123 illustrations.