Forest Craft Handbook

This charming new book, by experienced Forest School teacher Richard Irvine, offers a perfect way to introduce children to whittling, as well as encouraging them to explore their local woodlands. The aim is to get kids as hands-on as possible – with appropriate adult supervision – so the book begins with an overview of the essential tools along with clearly illustrated guides to cutting, carving and knife-sharpening techniques. There’s also a handy guide to identifying the tree species most commonly found in our woodlands. The main part of the book is made up of 20 carving projects, varying in difficulty but all achievable for children. Only small quantities of wood are needed to make these projects, which could be sourced from pruned branches (with permission from the land owner) or fallen wood found on the forest floor. The items to make include a kazoo, duck caller, whistle, spud gun, stick people, magic wand, beads and carved fungi. Each one is explained in easy-to-follow steps, and kids are sure to enjoy playing with them as much as they love making them. Best of all, the book’s handy size makes it easy to pack in your bag and take it with you on your next woodland walk – an excellent way to inspire the next generation of carvers and nature lovers.

The Forest Craft Handbook by Richard Irvine contains 20 fun whittling projects, with step-by-step instructions and an emphasis on safe tool use - make a skulk of foxes or a whimmy diddle! Richard’s previous books include Forest School for Grown Ups which is full of practical skills and information for getting the most out of time spent in the woods.

Get outside and create things with simple hand tools using this Forest Craft Handbook by Richard Irvine! This book has a range of easy and fun projects for children. Have a go at making some miniature furniture for a fairy garden, an elder wand, a necklace or musical instrument! With photographs, step by step instructions and techniques, this is great for any whittling enthusiasts.

Get outside and create things with simple hand tools using this Forest Craft Handbook by Richard Irvine! This book has a range of easy and fun projects for children. Have a go at making some miniature furniture for a fairy garden, an elder wand, a necklace or musical instrument! With photographs, step by step instructions and techniques, this is great for any whittling enthusiasts.

Turning our attention now to a more specific handcraft, whittling and woodwork. The book begins with a detailed introduction on tools and techniques - perfect for beginners! We then go into the bulk of the book, offering up a plethora of projects to try your hand at. My girls have loved playing with the fairy furniture, that is outlined in the book! I’ve enjoyed whittling with the girls on a basic level in the past, but this has definitely inspired us to pick up our tools, build our skills and get creating.

Richard Irvine is a qualified teacher with a love of the outdoors and over 20 years’ experience in the field of outdoor learning. An accomplished greenwood carver, he brings woodcraft into his work wherever possible through progressing children’s skills at Forest School and running professional development workshops and recreational carving days for adults. He is the author of Forest Craft and Forest School. He lives in Devon.