The self-build project, conceived over a year ago, was designed in conjunction with local architect David Austin & Associates. It has provided students with the unique opportunity to craft a structure employing traditional building skills using natural materials from sustainably managed sources. The workshop also has a direct link to local heritage and the woodland crafts once prevalent in this area. The workshop seeks to not only provide a valuable educational resource for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, but will also be accessed by a wide range of users including local groups.

Michael Frosch, Principal of Ruskin Mill College said “this project has been enormously beneficial to many people and has resulted in a truly impressive outcome for both the College and the local community. The involvement of students in every step of the project meant that it was an ambitious undertaking, and I am very proud of how the tutors and the students have responded to the challenges and worked successfully on the project all the way through. I would also like to acknowledge the input from local volunteers whose contribution has been invaluable. The educational benefits for our students have been far reaching and I hope for many of them that this may be the start of an interest or vocational pathway that can help shape their future”.

Rich Pirie, green wood work tutor, added “I have been teaching green wood working for more years than I care to mention but this project has been significant in enabling me to take students on a journey that few of us in this day and age will ever undertake. Last November we went on an overnight camp to Herefordshire where students selected, felled and processed the oaks that would be used in the build. We then worked with local craftsmen and Cliff Dressel, our resident carpenter and builder, and the five month construction process began. Students have learnt new skills at every stage, from felling oaks to laying down a chestnut shake roof. It feels more like a green oak cathedral than a workshop and it’s good to know that it will be here for our grandchildren to enjoy”.

The green wood working programme taught at Ruskin Mill College is part of the land based, practical therapeutic education skills curriculum that forms the back bone of the provision offered. The unique approach has been developed over 20 years of working with young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and encourages the use of head, heart and hands. Students help harvest and fell timber in the local woodlands to provide a source of unseasoned material (green wood) for use in the workshop. As the wood contains a high level of moisture it is easy to split and shape. Green wood working uses hand tools and simple human powered devices – pole lathes, shaving horses, axes, draw knives and chisels. Students craft a range of objects from simple gardening dibbers to bowls, stools and chairs and even learn to make their own tools combining wood working with iron forging.

Siân Williams, Fundraising and Development Manager said “this is the first of several capital development projects that Ruskin Mill College is fundraising for. We gratefully acknowledge the support of Mazars Charitable Trust and others whose funding support has made this project possible. Many charities have experienced a tough year as a result of the economic downturn and changes in Government funding regimes, and we are no exception. However, we continue to have a strong commitment to delivering quality educational provision and maintaining links with our local community through our art and events programme”.

The next project, which is very similar in scope, is the re-build of the Forge, another well used craft workshop situated in the Horsley Valley. For more information on either of these projects please visit our website on http://www.rmet.org.uk or ring Siân Williams on 01453 837 516 or