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Clissett Wood
Clissett Wood is an ancient semi-natural woodland of around 4 hectares
(10 acres) situated in East Herefordshire overlooking the Malvern Hills.
It occupies gently sloping ground facing south with access from a minor
road. The wood is largely mature oak, ash, sweet chestnut and cherry with
hazel and sweet chestnut understorey. The abundant wildlife and diverse
ground flora thrive alongside our human activities.
Clissett Wood sign
In 1994 the wood, then called New Hill Wood, was purchased by four green
woodworkers and furniture makers (Mike and Tamsin Abbott, Chris Armstrong
and myself). We co-opted three more people to our venture and renamed
the wood after Philip Clissett, the well known Victorian chair maker whose
former cottage and workshop adjoin the wood.
Using a pole lathe and locally sourced timber (reportedly from Childer Wood) he produced ladder-back and spindle-back greenwood chairs throughout his working life of nearly seventy years. In his later years he inspired members of the Arts and Crafts movement (Ernest Gimson and others were taught by him) and in his self-sufficient, contented and productive life-style was described the 'perfect craftsman'.
Clissett Wood Barn nearing completion
The group of seven Clissett Wood owners has undergone many changes since
our beginnings twelve years ago, and apart from founder members Chris
Armstrong (furniture maker) and myself, the group includes Sheila Wynter
(basket maker). Three new owners Chris Harris, Jo Liebert and Debra Olsen
have joined the group. There is a vacancy for a like minded,
local and active owner to join the group.
Contact Gudrun for more information and to enquire. <<click
here>>
Chris and Sheila hedgelaying
.
Clissett Wood Trust is co-operatively managed and has the following Aims
and Objectives which are the legal 'back bone' of its continuing evolution:
'To grow and harvest high quality English hardwoods in a sustainable manner
for the production of chairs and for other traditional woodland crafts.'
'To provide the setting for environmental and craft related education.'
'To nurture a peaceful yet stimulating environment for human enjoyment
and creativity.'
'To maintain and nurture a flourishing wildlife habitat and to enhance
the quality of the woodland within the local landscape.'
Clissett Wood is a private woodland apart from Gudrun's diverse programme
of greenwood courses offered from April to September. We are part of h.Art,
however, the annual show-casing of the many talented arts and crafts practitioners
in the county, and Clissett Wood Barn exhibits the work of members and
friends on an Open Weekend with demonstrations and an exhibition.
Clissett Wood Barn during hArt
Looking south from Clissett Wood on a frosty December morning.
Gudrun