Community session, engaged in a group activity outdoors.

OUR MISSION IS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER IN NATURE THROUGH SHARING TRADITIONAL WOODCRAFT

We prioritise people facing systemic obstacles to accessing green spaces, using craft as a vehicle to empower them with new skills, new connections and renewed confidence about their right to the land.

Yellow text on a black background quoting, "Bistol Tree Craft has definately inspired me. I like the environment, the space, the atpmospher and having the ability to go out into this green space was so refreshing."

Bristol Tree Craft brings people together to learn traditional woodcrafts. Transforming an ordinary branch into something beautiful and unique, whether it’s a teaspoon or a table, is a remarkable process. And process is what we’re all about.

For us, the value of what we do lies in the making – the creativity unleashed, the skills learned, the relationships formed – and the end result is a bonus! We use craft as a tool for empowerment, uncovering how old ways can help us face today’s challenges. Our workshop space at Bridge Farm offers the chance to escape city life, be in nature and know that sharp tools, hot tea and friendly company are always at hand.

Whilst we want to offer the benefits of craft to everyone, our key focus is working with specific groups facing systemic obstacles. Our weekly, free-to-access programmes offer a safe, nurturing space for these groups to gain tangible skills, grow in confidence and feel increased ownership over local green spaces. We encourage participants to take a lead in their learning process, connect with each other and find solace & power through working with wood.

Two men standing behind carved wooden signs reading "Bristol Tree Craft" with nature-themed carvings, in an outdoor setting with greenery. 
Hugh & Ben
Four people seated around a wooden table with carved figures and wooden tools in a tent setting.
People assembling homemade wind chimes labeled "Felix Road Wind Chimes" on a wooden platform under a tree. The chimes are made of colorful painted and carved sticks and wooden discs. A person is using scissors, and others are assisting in the assembly.
Group of people having a barbecue outdoors, standing around a smoking grill with wooden spoons. The scene is set in a grassy area with trees and a view of nearby rooftops.
A camping scene with a canvas tent in the background and chopping tools on a tree stump in the foreground.

We run a fantastic range of full and half day courses open to everyone. These directly help fund our community work

Person carving wood with a drawknife on a wooden workbench outdoors.
Group of six people holding carved wooden bowls in front of a greenhouse.
A group of people outdoors holding up wooden spoons, smiling and celebrating, with chairs and stools on wood chips, against a backdrop of bushes and cloudy blue sky.
Group of five people smiling and holding wooden spoons outside a building with glass windows.
Person showing a carved wooden bowl, sitting on wood shavings, holding the bowl on their lap while dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, with a blue container of wood pieces in the background.
Wooden spatulas and tools on rustic wooden table outdoors.
Group of people posing outdoors in a woodworking workshop with wooden bowls on a round table.
Four people woodworking with wooden workbenches outdoors under a tent

Rory Seekins

April 2023

“Had heaps of fun and learnt a lot at Bristol Tree Crafts spoon carving workshop. Ben and Hugh are really down to earth, lovely guys with such a passion and wealth of knowledge that they shared with the group in a really easy to digest, informative way. They filled us with such amazing tips and tricks and supported the group in making some awesome spoons. The space is really cool and hearing about their plans to evolve it makes me really want to come back for more workshops. It was lovely to share a group lunch and have lots of cups of tea and good chats throughout the day as we were crafting. Their ethos of making this craft accessible to all is really admirable - it's so great to have a business offering workshops like this in Bristol. Feeling very inspired and keen for more!

Thanks guys”

Reviews

Lauren Lawson

March 2023

“Such a great spoon carving course. Ben and Hugh are great teachers and you leave the day with a handmade spoon, full of tea, shared lunch, good conversation and new knowledge to take away and start making your own. The cost of the course also goes to supporting the other work that they do which is a great thing to know. Highly recommend!!”

Vicky House

September 2022

“Superb day spent learning all the skills needed to carve a spoon from our excellent tutors, Ben and Hugh. They took us through step-by-step and gave all abilities in the group the confidence and time needed to succeed. Tea, coffee and biscuits were always available. Everyone left with a spoon they were proud of!
Thank you Bristol Tree Craft!”

Anna Skorupa

October 2022

“Highly recommended! A very relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. All tools very well explained, full tutorial given. Fun way to spend the day on manual task that gives you plenty of satisfaction and a beautiful wooden bowl to take home. A hearty rustic lunch included. Perfect experience.” 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hugh Groves

9 months ago

“Just completed a full day soon carving workshop with Ben & Hugh. I went with my girlfriend and parents and everyone had a great time! Hugh and Ben are super friendly, patient demonstrators and are clearly doing so much good in the community. Wish them the best of luck with their work, and can recommend the workshops to anyone of any ability.”

Instagram

Thanks @cakesmiths.hq for sweetening up our workshop! 😋😋 These (wonky cake) donations were enjoyed by multiple groups taking part in our woodwork and wellbeing programs. 🫶🍰🧁🫶 #cake #cakedonation #bristoltreecraft #woodwork #craft #wellbeing
These are some wonderful results from our last spoon carving course! We were working with silver maple which is a lovely beginner wood. Thanks @tortworthtrees for the logs! Next course is on the 26th October and we still have a few spaces left!
Week 3 on our current program with @ararecoveryforall ,super exciting to see peoples final project’s coming along nicely! Next session is tomorrow and we can wait to see how these boards develop! 🪵🌴🌳🐿️ #woodworking #wood #handmade #wood
Here we have a step by step guide to these great little carved animal heads. Thanks @wildwoodwhittling for the photos. First two are from the collaboration workshop we did with Wild wood whittling and a group of young people from @otrbristol. The t
We hope you’ve all been having an amazing summer☀️ Here at @bristoltreecraft, we’re getting ready for another term filled with woodwork and fun! 🪵

 Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ve been up to:
 8 weeks of Willow weaving and
We’re thrilled to kick off our next 8-week program with the amazing folks from @ararecoveryforall 🌟 New sessions start this week, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. 🎉 Here’s a throwback to some lovely moments from our
It’s here! 

After 8 weeks of woodwork, painting, rope tying, and pure fun, the Felix Road giant Snakes and Ladders is ready! 🐍🎲 
Every element was crafted by the incredible young people at the playground. Look at those beautiful unique hand
Hello folks, We hope you have been having a wonderful summer! 🌻🌞🌻 Next Bristol Tree Craft open Sunday is *8th September* we’ll be running a classic Sunday of activities: Gardening, sign painting, weeding the workshop and maybe some c