Milling with the National Trust

Spent the other morning at Freshfield National Trust Reserve helping one of the wardens make the components for a couple of balance beams and a large bench out of a recently felled mature pine.
You just can't beat working in the woods on a sunny day!

Chainsaw milling oak

Finished milling  a big oak today, got it all stacked and air drying in the barn, all before 2pm :)
Cut mostly 2 &1/4" planks, a couple of 2" and some 1& 3/4"

Feeling a bit achy now, but all in all a great experience.

Wood Science Center W.S.C: Building a Solar Kiln

Great info on solar kilns. Going to be milling some big tree butts soon and need to make one of these.

Wood Science Center W.S.C: Building a Solar Kiln

30 minute carved owls and freshly oiled chairs

King and queen of the forest

A pair of seats carved from a very large spalted beech tree.

A day in the woods

Spent the best part of the day tucked away in the woods carving Christmas trees. There is something about being surrounded by trees that takes me back to my childhood. I love having my studio/workshop space but you can't beat dappled sun on your back, birdsong, fleeting visits from red squirrels and of course trees and more trees.

Christmas trees

These are about 15 to 20 inches high and perfect for setting the scene for Christmas.

This batch has been sold but I'm making new ones on a daily basis.
Currently on sale at :-
Walkers Organic Solutions, New Causeway,off Formby bypass,
Arthouse at 65 Eastbank St, Southport
National Trust Squirrel Reserve, Formby
Etsy and folksy

RRP £25 small, £30 medium, £35 large