Discover traditional and endangered woodland crafts
Normal entrance prices apply.
Step back into a world of living heritage at Butser Ancient Farm’s Wood Fayre, held in partnership with the Hampshire Coppice Group. This lively weekend celebrates the rich traditions of woodland craft, bringing together talented makers and hands‑on demonstrations to inspire visitors of all ages.
Across the farm, skilled craftspeople will be showcasing a wide range of traditional techniques - from coppicing, charcoal burning, pole‑lathe turning and basketry to timber framing and joinery - bringing heritage skills vividly to life.
Come along and explore some of the UK’s most endangered craft traditions. This event runs as part of a normal open day, so standard admission prices apply. Pre‑book your tickets below to secure your visit!
Butser Ancient Farm in association with the Hampshire Coppice group
Spar and Hurdle Making Competitions, Sunday 12th July
Are you the master of your craft? Enter our hurdle & spar competitions, or come along to watch the action!
There will be cash prizes for each competition of 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Put your traditional skills to the test at our Spar Making and Hurdle Making competitions, taking place on Sunday 12th July as part of the Wood Fayre celebrations.
These friendly but fiercely skilled contests honour two crafts at the heart of Britain’s woodland heritage. Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply keen to challenge yourself, it’s a brilliant chance to showcase your technique, speed, and craftsmanship in the historic setting of Butser Ancient Farm.
Spar Making Competition - Sponsored by the National Society of Master Thatchers, this competition celebrates the traditional craft of shaping and splitting hazel into strong, flexible thatching spars - an essential skill in the historic art of thatched roofing. Competitors will demonstrate precision, speed, and craftsmanship as they work to produce usable spars using time‑honoured techniques.
Hurdle Making Competition - Sponsored by the South Downs Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority, competitors will showcase their skill in splitting, shaping, and weaving hazel into sturdy panels - a traditional craft once essential to farming and rural life.
Visitors are welcome to watch the competitions throughout the day, cheering on the makers as they work against the clock.
If you’d like to take part, simply click the link below to enter either competition.
CLICK HERE to enter the spar and hurdle making competitions!
Annual Passholders get free admission to the farm any day we’re open for general admission — you only need to visit twice before you’re quid’s in! Learn more.
DOGS: Please feel free to bring your dogs with you! We just ask that they are well-behaved and kept on leads at all times.
REFUNDS: If we aren’t able to open the farm on the day of your visit, you will of course be completely refunded. Unfortunately in any other circumstances we aren’t able to offer refunds.