Our work at Denbies Hillside

A growing team

The woodworking team started with three volunteers. Today there are seven, including professional wood sculptor Iain Carver. The team enjoys taking on new challenges, refining their techniques and expanding  their skills. Their work covers everything from selecting the wood, wood-trimming, sawing, drilling, design and furniture making.   

Woodworking tools

Based in converted dairy sheds, the woodworkers’ workshop is complete with electrical saws, planers, lathes, spindle-moulders and dust extraction units. This enables the team to complete a range of projects from heritage window frames and churchyard gates to barn doors and wood sculptures.

They work mostly with FSC accredited oak, harvested from sustainably managed woodland on nearby Bookham Commons. The timber is allowed to season for six years before it is taken into the workshop.

Woodwork on Denbies Hillside

The picnic tables and benches on the hillside were made by Tim, Peter and Robin, the original team of woodworking volunteers, alongside newer recruits Kevin, Iain and Chris.

Get involved

You don’t need to have woodworking experience to get involved. Our current team has a variety of backgrounds, from accounting to teaching to engineering. The work requires practicality, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy, plus working as part of a close team.

If you wish to find out more, please email Henry Barnard, Lead Ranger at Landbarn Farm.