The Experience
An evening, two days. Simple tools. Undivided attention.
Rooted is an immersive experience — an evening introduction followed by two full days — built around the ancient practice of carving wood by hand. It is not a skills course. It is not a team-building exercise. It is a carefully facilitated space in which the act of making becomes a way of thinking, connecting and seeing more clearly.
The programme
Evening introduction
Meeting and orienting
The experience begins on a Tuesday evening with a gathering at the Priory. An unhurried introduction to the place, to each other, and to the two days ahead. We start with handling and sharpening the tools, and setting the intention before the work begins.
Day one
Arriving and beginning
The first full day is about settling in. The tools are already in your hands — now the work begins in earnest. There is no pressure to produce anything in particular. The work begins with observation — learning to read the grain of the wood before you cut it. By the end of the day, you will have made your first real cuts and begun to understand what the material asks of you.
Day two
Going deeper
The second day moves into more sustained work. Conversation becomes easier as hands stay busy. Facilitated reflection sessions are woven through the day — not as formal exercises, but as natural pauses in the making. You will leave with a finished carved piece and, more importantly, with a clearer sense of what emerged when you gave something your full attention.
What's included
All tools and materials
Professional-grade hand tools and sustainably sourced timber are provided. No equipment is needed.
Expert facilitation
The experience is guided throughout by an experienced woodcarver and facilitator. Instruction is given as needed, not as a class.
Meals and refreshments
Light refreshments on evening arrival, lunch and refreshments on both full days. Dietary requirements are accommodated.
Your carved piece
You leave with a finished carved object — made entirely by your own hands across the two days.
Exclusive use of the Priory
The group has exclusive access to a dedicated space within St Nicholas Priory for the duration of the experience.
The facilitator
The Rooted experience is facilitated by a practitioner who has spent years working at the intersection of craft, art, leadership and human connection. The role of the facilitator is not to teach woodcarving as a technical discipline, but to hold the conditions in which something more interesting can happen.
Instruction is given when it is needed. Silence is welcomed when it arrives. The facilitator's job is to stay out of the way of the work — and to notice when the work is doing something the participants haven't yet noticed themselves.
In their own words
"A tree stump was given new life, through creativity with the greatest respect. Individuals became community and learnt about themselves and each other. The past was invited into the present and taught us something of our strength and our vulnerability."
"This was far more than a carving workshop. With James' frequent references to our ancestral traditions and rites and the way the processes had to be worked at, I found a very different relationship with the tools and the timber which became almost spiritual in its effect on me."
Chris— Age 59, Tree Officer
"Before joining I didn't know any of the other group members but found in a very short space of time a feeling of intimacy and connection; not through conversing as much as sharing space, time and a common goal."
Max
"So much more than just a fun weekend skilling up on woodworking. Met some amazing people, ate amazing food, and had such an enriching, joyful and connective experience, in a beautiful safe space. I will always treasure this experience."
Ines— Age 32
"I came with a vague notion that it involved axes and setting fire to stuff — I was sold! But it was so much more. A journey of discovery, history and philosophy."
Kevin— Age 56
"Art, axes and excellent company. I recommend this course."
Rhiannon— Age 43
Questions
Ready to begin?