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