As on Level 1 Wild Pottery, this will be an in-depth 2-day course: digging our clay from the woodland site and prepping it to make it strong enough to survive the firing. But there’ll be more time for you to develop your handbuilding skills and explore more complex forms than on Level 1. We’ll be using the same type of tools, equipment and technology as those used, so far as we know, since Neolithic times, when pottery began, and well into the Iron Age.

The firing we’ll do has some similarities to the open firing taught on Level 1, but with an additional stage which produces black pots through a process known as soot-soaking.
There is archaeological evidence of these kinds of blackened pots found across the UK and Europe, from the Iron Age and also the Saxon period.

A simple but hearty vegetarian lunch is provided, we’ll have a kettle on the camp fire, plus a huge tarp on hand for cover in case we need it. I aim to offer you a satisfying learning experience as well as an enjoyable time away from it all. To support you in getting the most from the days, we’ll connect to the woodland surroundings through a short and simple, guided mindfulness-based practice. Groups are kept small to allow for individual attention.

*This course is designed for people who’ve already attended Level 1 Wild Pottery with me, as it builds directly on the knowledge gained in Level 1. Very occasionally I can waiver the prerequisite of Level 1, if you have previous experience of successfully firing wild clay pots in an open fire. Please get in touch if this is the case for you, with details of your experience.

Accommodation: please note that camping / glamping is not available onsite for this course, regrettably. But there are lots of local offsite options, and  you’ll find details of alternative accommodation here.