Spoons in the Woods

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

Published

3rd March 2026
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New Wisdom charcoal forges powered the Spoons in the Woods project, as HCA students led woodland forging sessions at The Cart Shed, boosting skills, confidence and creativity for first‑time makers.

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December 2025 saw the newly built Wisdom charcoal forges put into action in the woods at the Cart Shed, and a return of the Spoons In The Woods collaborative smithing project. This is the third time that Artist Blacksmith students in the second year of their studies have ventured out to the woodland in Norton Canon to share their knowledge and practice.

The Cart Shed is a mental health and wellbeing charity with a focus on outdoor woodland craft activities, and the ideal place to test the Wisdom charcoal forges. Sessions were facilitated by Artist Blacksmith graduates currently studying on the MA Forged Metal Arts program and a team of second year undergraduates. These forging sessions form part of the undergraduate’s professional practice development and are a key element in seeing them transfer their knowledge of smithing from the classroom to the wider world. Cart Shed participants were encouraged to work with copper and steel to create spoons, and for many this would be the very first time they had the opportunity to have a go at blacksmithing.

Working in the woods with the Cart Shed participants has been a real joy. I’m looking forward to returning to the woodland, forging with sustainably sourced charcoal and sharing the experience with others. It’s not just about making objects – it’s about coming together, embracing creativity, and collaborating as a group. Whether we’re forging spoons or exchanging skills, every session brings a genuine sense of achievement and connection.
Mark Rogers, MA Forged Metal Arts student

Working in the woods with the Cart Shed participants is both inspiring and energizing. Each forging session offers a chance to create something tangible and learn together. This experience has encouraged me to reflect on what I’ve learned and consider how I can share that knowledge with others. It has shown me how forging can positively impact well-being. Watching a participant gain confidence after completing their first forged piece reinforces what I already know: making and creativity can truly boost self-esteem.
Toby Musselwhite, BA(Hons) Artist Blacksmithing student

From the perspective of a tutor at the Cart Shed it is an absolute delight to see our participants engaging with the forging process supported by the student blacksmiths in the woods. There is something special to be found in sharing the knowledge and practice of a craft, even more so when there is the opportunity for practical hands-on learning and a chance to play with materials, tools, and processes. Throughout these workshops participants who have no prior experience of smithing show a clear focus on the activity, work well with instruction, and produce good work.
Oli Cameron-Swan, Cart Shed Tutor