Under the expert guidance of an award-winning tree-wright, learn to make traditional thatching spars, as used for the roofing of our many reconstructed heritage buildings.
Learn from the incredibly experienced Darren Hammerton, who has spent decades building and thatching the traditional buildings on site, as well as other across the UK.
This one-day workshop will teach you the basic skills and techniques required to make quality spars, a craft that is currently listed as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Red List. You will try different ways of riving using a splitting billhook and a side adze before pointing the spars, an intrinsic component of a quality spar.
About the workshop
Full day course 9.00am - 3.30pm
Receive expert tuition in a small group of up to 8
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
Darren Hammerton brings over three decades of experience to his work. After eight years as a countryside ranger, Darren trained as an arborist, sparking a passion for woodland management. Over the past twenty-four years, he has revitalised and managed numerous coppice woodlands across Hampshire with expertise spanning most coppice crafts.
Darren honed his skills in Medieval Timber Framing at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, and has been the Tree Wright at Butser Ancient Farm since 2015. Here, he has designed and led the construction of historically accurate structures, including Neolithic houses, Iron Age roundhouses, and Anglo-Saxon long halls.
For over twenty years, Darren has passed on his skills, working as a freelance instructor with adults with learning difficulties and leading coppice craft courses at the Sustainability Centre and Butser Ancient Farm, earning a reputation as an accomplished mentor and teacher.
He also undertakes private commissions, crafting bespoke timber-framed buildings ranging from outdoor classrooms for schools to granaries, barns, and even bus shelters! Darren’s extensive skill set and dedication to traditional crafts continue to inspire and educate those who share his love for woodland heritage and sustainable construction.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm for both days, tuition and expertise, and use of all the tools and materials necessary to gain skills for building a wattle hurdle through hands-on learning.
WORKSHOP INFO
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included and we recommend that you bring your own packed lunch! Snacks and hot/cold drinks to bolster this can be purchased from our small gift shop.
This workshop is for 18+ only.