Natural cordage and glues weekend

What did human kind do before the advent of modern synthetic ropes, tapes, glues and epoxy resins? Come and find out.

This weekend course is running as a component part of our exclusive Primitive Skills Year course which looks at combining an exciting range of practical stone-age skills in a sequential 10 module package. 

Here we are offering you the extra choice of simply cherry picking a singular module of this longer duration course and creating for yourself a focused look at exactly the skills you may wish to cover.  

During this weekend course we will open your eyes to the vast selection of trees and plants which can be called upon to yield up a workable fibre. Each species has a unique method of harvesting, processing and using the fibres it boasts and it is this detail that makes natural cordage such a joy to learn and practice.

As a minimum programme of delivery we look to process Nettles, Willow herb and Brambles in the plant fibres before looking at Willow, Lime and Elm bark for tree resources of string and rope.

Your course will begin with an in depth review of a range of craft items incorporating natural bindings and glues to give you an insight into just how important these skill sets are and how ensconced they are in almost every area of wilderness survival skills.

Once you have a workable fibre the actual process of twisting it into a length of string can be the same for any of them. We will however for the sake of diversity go beyond simple nettle cordage and show you both 2 and 3 ply methods before looking at some simple braids and strap weaving techniques.

We will operate out of our stunning Oxfordshire woodlands from a rustic woodland camp where there will always be a kettle on for hot drinks. We will break for meals at 12:00 and 18:00 but activities will likely continue into the evening in keeping with our more specialist weekends gaining you the maximum opportunity to get hands on experience.

Sometimes a simple binding isn't enough, sometimes a craft item requires that extra bit of hold power or perhaps a water tight seal along a seem - here is where a knowledge of primitive glues and pitches will elevate your craft work to new levels.

Our instructors will guide you through every step of making your own hide glue before looking at Pine pitch and Birch tar.

With these three traditional adhesives in your possession you will learn about their unique material properties which will then inform you how best to use them in craft work.

You should leave the weekend with many metres of cordage from a variety of plant sources and a personal stash of three different glues. More than this the time spent correctly identifying, harvesting, processing and utilising such a range of natural materials will put you in great stead for any future natural crafts you may wish to try your hand at.

It only becomes apparent just how useful string and bindings are once you do not have any! Ultimately this course should give you the confidence that string literally grows on trees and if you know how to acquire it sensitively you will never be in a situation where you cannot mend a broken shoe lace or fix a tent guy line.

If you have any questions on any of the above please do get in touch.