Bows have been an integral tool for thousands of years around the world. Create a Bow, longbow or flatbow with sustainably felled timber, using native species and traditional methods or with laminate timber prepared using traditional techniques.
Explore Bow design through the ages and find the right design for you. Learn how to craft your Bow using simple Bushcraft tools, discovering the knowledge and skills that have been passed on from one generation of Bowyers to another. Each Bow is a personal statement of skill, patience and craftsmanship.
Stay on-site in one of our historic buildings for an additional fee.
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Bow History
Wooden Bow Design
Factors Affecting Bow Efficiency
Wood Selection
Bow Woods
Tillering
String materials
String construction
Serving strings
Arrow history & design
Arrow woods
Archery techniques
About the workshop
The course is run over 4 days, however on the first day you'll arrive at 5pm for an evening informal talk on bow history and design
Craft your own bow, longbow, or flatbow with sustainably felled timber, using native species and traditional methods or with laminate timber prepared using traditional techniques
Learn about the history of bow design
Option to camp on-site in one of our historic buildings for an additional fee
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
The length of the course will allow us to cover a wide range of introductory subjects but will not allow for the completion of finished projects. This course and the content covered will evolve based on time, weather, and participant interests. Please bring your own meals.
For more details about staying overnight, email workshops@butserancientfarm.co.uk
Phil Brooke is a Woodsman, Bushcraft specialist and Traditional Bowyer. He founded Chosen Paths Bushcraft in 2011, and since then the company has evolved into Phil Brooke longbows. Their primary role is teaching a broad range of subjects including Traditional Bow Making. Phil has also been connected to the Woodcraft School in Midhurst for over ten years, initially as a student, then instructor, and now as Woodcraft schools Chief Instructor. He is especially interested in traditional archery and is a full-time Bowyer when not delivering Bushcraft!
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, a full 3 days + 1 evening tuition and expertise, all course materials needed to make a bow to take home. Please bring your own food. Staying on-site is an additional cost.
This workshop is suitable for ages 18+.
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop.
Food is not included in this course, please provide your own food for the duration of the course. Sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop.
If you have any mobility concerns, special requirements, or other questions, please contact workshops@butserancientfarm.co.uk for help!