Sparsholt College launches new courses in hurdle-making

Sparsholt College Hampshire is launching two new short courses in the traditional art of hurdle-making, beginning in May.  Working out in the woods, applicants can opt for either the two-day or the five-day course.  Both courses allow students to create and take home a hazel hurdle.  The course instructor, Neil McLaughlin, has been managing coppice woodland for the last 20 years and was fortunate to learn from many of the 'old boys' who coppiced the same woodland.

  Hurdle maker Neil McLaughlin at work.

His experience and commitment to the traditional methods has meant that his work is in great demand and as well as television appearances, he has had his work displayed at the RHS Chelsea Garden Show (silver award) and been commissioned for work at several large estates. The two-day courses run over a weekend and will allow participants a glimpse into a traditional woodsman's craft. They are aimed at anyone who wants to gain hands-on practical experience. No prior experience of wood-working is required. The course covers an introduction into the materials and tools of the hurdle-maker, the art of splitting hazel rods using the billhook, and the basics of hurdle-making. Taking place 31 May - 1 June, the fee for this two-day course is £164 and includes transport to and from the woodland from Sparsholt College, all tuition and tools. All materials used to create the hurdle will have been prepared in advance by the instructor. Participants on the five-day course will gain a real insight into the whole production process of creating a hazel hurdle. This course is much more in-depth and students will be expected to prepare their own material in order to make their own hurdle. Students will create their own three foot hazel hurdle to take away with them. Starting Monday 16 June, the fee for this first five-day course is £248 and includes transport to and from the woodland from Sparsholt College, all tuition and tools. Places are limited to eight participants so don't delay in applying. For further information, or to book a course, please contact Sparsholt Registry on 01962 797213. Although the courses do not offer a formal qualification, participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion.