Workshop Bookings

Our holiday workshops are for youngsters aged 7 to 16 years who love an outdoor adventure. The workshops normally run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost per child per workshop is £20. All teachings, materials and insurance are included in the cost.

We kindly ask for a 50% deposit to secure a place, either by BACS (Sort Code 40-17-25 Account No.21541846, with your name as the reference), or by cheque. Cheques should be made payable to the Cotswold Forest School, and sent to: P.O. Box 1, Cirencester, GL7 9GD. 

Expect the children to get muddy and grubby. They should come prepared in clothing suitable for the weather, that will keep them dry and warm. Also, if wet, perhaps a change of clothes (or a bin bag!) when they get picked up.

All our CFS instructors hold Enhanced CRB Checks and are First Aid Qualified.

We recommend that you bring healthy snacks and drinks for Elevenses and either a packed lunch or food to cook on the campfire.

In the unlikely event you do not receive confirmation of your booking within 24 hours please contact our Bookings Team on 08450 941 949

Spring Half term 2012 Holiday workshop schedule

Catapult / Slingshot Construction Day - Wednesday 6th June-10am - 14:00hrs.
Fully Booked

Come and learn how to construct catapults or slingshots using natural and man-made materials from Clayhill Cover (Copse) and our local resource centre. Cooking your lunch on an open fire.  See who can hit the target with your catapult.

 

Pizza Oven Construction- Thursday 7th June-10am - 14:00hrs.
Fully Booked

Learn how to build a clay oven out of local material, and cook you own pizza to eat for lunch.  Small pizzas will be supplied, but you may need to supplement these with your own food depending on your appetite! - Great fun!

 

Bow and Arrow Construction - Friday 8th June-10am - 14:00hrs.

A very popular workshop. Come and join the team and make a Bow out of our locally sourced Hazel to take home, and test your skills as an archer.
 
Please email bookings@cotswoldforestschool.co.uk with the following details:-

Childrens' names and ages.

Details of any allergies or medications.

Parent/guardian contact details including an emergency number.


Weekend of June 30th 2012 Buffalo Bob Bowmaking Course.

 

After many requests we're delighted to announce a workshop for the grown-ups! The Cotswold Forest School will be hosting a Bow and Arrow making weekend run by Rob Tyler (aka Buffalo Bob Bowmaker).  Commencing Friday 29th June 4pm and concluding Sunday 1st July 3pm.
 
Participants will be shown through the ropes on how to use tools such as draw knives, billhooks and axes, safely in the process of making bows from Ash - felled late last year at Clayhill Copse. This will include making the arrows and flights.
 
This completely hands-on workshop will take you through the entire progression of building your very own self-bow.

Beginning with a bark-on bow stave you will learn what to look for when selecting your materials, and different options on how to remove the bark. You will then take your stave down to a ring, lay it out, file, scrape and sand it down and go through the full tillering process, file in your nocks and make your own string. And provided Mother Nature co-operates, you'll even have the opportunity to practice shooting your new bow on the final day!

We will also discuss the best woods to use for bows, how to cut and season your own staves, and the differences between long-term and survival bows.

Over the course of these two and a half days you will build your own hunting-weight bow that does not suffer from "stack" or hand-shock. A beautiful piece of functional art!  A process that must be experienced to be understood, there is nothing that can compare with holding in your hands a bow that you have transformed from a simple piece of wood into a dynamic extension of yourself. So come on out and let's build some bows!
 
The days will be long and fulfilling - Friday and Saturday's workshops will continue until dusk or until deemed safe to conclude. Those attending are very welcome to stay in the woods or return each morning at 9am. The cost for the course is £195 pp, which includes all materials, use of tools and facilitation. Those attending are more than welcome to bring their own tools if wished. To keep the cost of the course down we kindly request that those attending bring their own lunch etc.- Hot drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the days. Due to the nature and quality of the course, places are limited to 10 persons. Rob has supplied some photos from previous courses to further inspire!< http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr-gibbo/sets/72157624224622116/with/4678787837/ >
 
To book on the weekend please email bookings@cotswoldforestschool.co.uk with your details and we kindly request a deposit of £100 to secure a place.


photo photo