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Green wood Intensive - Professional Development Course for Woodworkers


1st April – 1st May 2026

Devon Green Wood Centre, South Devon Coast, UK

An Advanced Green Woodworking Course for woodworkers.

This course is designed for experienced woodworkers who want to explore green woodworking—either to integrate it into their current practice or to take their career in a new direction.

Many furniture-making colleges overlook green woodwork entirely, often considering it a lesser craft. That’s a real shame. Green woodworking is accessible, environmentally sensitive, physically engaging, and creatively fulfilling—and it can absolutely form the foundation of a meaningful career.

My own practice combines both sides of the craft: working with seasoned timber and with freshly felled poles. What excites me most is finding ways to bring these two disciplines together in practical, elegant ways.

Course Overview

The Green Wood Intensive runs for one month (with 23 taught days), and is a deep, hands-on immersion in:

  • Traditional green woodworking techniques

  • Contemporary furniture making

  • Steam bending and tool care

  • Personal design and project development

It’s hosted at the Devon Green Wood Centre, nestled near the breathtaking South Hams coastline—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

👉 Learn more about the location

What’s Included

  • Expert tuition from a practicing furniture maker

  • All green wood materials

  • Visits to a local hardwood sawmill and woodland to select timber

  • Individual project time with guidance

  • Optional machine training for integrating modern tools

Please note: seat weaving materials and any board materials for your personal project are not included.

Course Structure

Intro Day

We’ll begin with a half-day to settle into the workshop and get oriented before launching into the first project.

Week 1: Slab & Stick Stool

A traditional green woodworking stool with a steam-bent component. You’ll learn:

  • Cleaving, axe work, and drawknife technique

  • Seat carving and leg angles

  • Stretchers and rail construction

Week 2: Post & Rung Chair Course

A 6-day intensive designed to build confidence and speed with:

  • Froe, axe, and drawknife use

  • Chair construction fundamentals

  • Seat weaving (final day)

Week 3: Steam Bending, Tool Sharpening & Design

  • One-day steam bending workshop

  • Green woodworking tool sharpening and maintenance

  • Development of your personal project

  • Exploration of intuitive design methods suited to green wood

Week 4: Creative Seating

Two options:

  • Continue your personal project if it’s a large undertaking

  • Or, build a chair or bench using all the skills you've gained

Who This Course Is For?

This course is not suitable for complete beginners. It’s intended for:

  • Professional or semi-professional woodworkers

  • Designers, makers, or craftspeople with some experience

  • Anyone seeking to incorporate green wood into modern practice

Not sure if it’s right for you? Contact meto discuss.

Optional Machine Use

While this isn’t a machining course, there is the option to be trained on power tools and machinery at the Devon Green Wood Centre. This supports a hybrid approach—combining traditional techniques with modern methods to create organic, contemporary furniture.

Course Details

📍 Location: Devon Green Wood Centre, near Plymouth, South Devon
📅 Dates: 31st March – 1st May 2025
💷 Cost: £2000
🪑 Included: 23 taught days + green wood materials
📧 Email: peter@peterlanyonfurniture.co.uk

Useful Links

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November 22

Introduction to Green Wood Furniture + Steam Bending