The Satisfaction of Timber Craft
Hello! My name is Andrew, for the past 20+ years i have been a greenwood carpenter, it has been an enjoyable and exciting period of discovery. It is a rewarding and deeply satisfying craft to be involved in. The meticulous application of geometry, precise scribing & marking out and cutting of joints into large Green Oak timbers is something I never tire of.Using hand tools directly connects mind & body to the materials.It is easy to feel a worthwhile sense of achievement.
Nurturing Skills and Understanding
The level of understanding in successful methodology, geometry and resolving of carpentry conundrums i have gained over the years has given me the confidence to teach school leavers who come into a workshop environment to gain experience in traditional greenwood building and joinery. To be involved in the nurturing and development of skills is rewarding and enjoyable. I am currently studying for a teaching qualification.
Experience Across Craft and Restoration
I have been lucky enough to have spent time throughout this period with other Carpenters on different teams sharing experiences of working in different timbers on a wide variety of traditional and modern woodworking projects including a Swedish sauna, Swedish cabin, Waterwheel and a restoration on a 16th century Tudor barn.
Ethos
I like to think that what I do for a living pays attention to sustainability when it comes to the sourcing and type of wood used. The timber members in the buildings I construct last much longer than it takes to grow a replacement. This way the woodland or forests from which they are sourced continue to expand not diminish.To replace the timber I have acquired and used in my life i have voluntarily planted thousands of trees in different locations that will absorb CO2 and help to increase biodiversity. These include Orchard trees for which I hold a kind of reverence and of course are planted for fruit needless to say and wildlife conservation.
Over 20 + years I have gained a wealth of experience working in orchards which has led me to be able to run courses and extend my teaching in the art of pruning and grafting to horticultural
students and members of the public as well. I hold talks on the subject of Wild orchards.
I provide and represent these services under the name ‘ Blossom and Bee ‘.
Origin Of The Logo 🌲
The Logo represents the meaning behind my surname. The word ‘Ley’ in old english is path through or clearing in a woodland. A pathway is symbolised within the tree. It is a curious fact that I began my working life as an apprentice Carpenter and joiner. Working with wood and trees has been a common thread throughout my life working also as a Forester, Landscaper and Orchardist.