Immerse yourself in a weekend of crafting. Discover how to make and use a prehistoric hunting technology, learning from three different experts. Be guided through the history and context of its use, learn to throw with an atlatl, and make your own to keep. Learn how to flintknap some points, and haft them with glue made with a recipe grounded in history. Carve your own atlatl and have a chance to refine it through hands on testing.
Stay on-site in one of our historic buildings for an additional fee.
About the workshop
Two day workshop
Create a complete prehistoric hunting set; a dart with a hafted stone tip and a spearthrower/atlatl
Learn to throw darts using an atlatl/spearthrower
Option to camp on-site in one of our historic buildings for an additional fee*
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
*For more details about staying overnight, please email workshops@butserancientfarm.co.uk
Mel Grenfell’s early life was spent climbing trees, building dens, going on Guide camps, and reading. As an adult she joined the Scout Association as a leader so that she could continue doing some of those things. On leaving a career in primary teaching in 2016, Mel set up her own outdoor learning business—Wildly Curious, working with young people and adults on archery, bushcraft, and traditional skills. She is also an IOL Professional in Outdoor Learning and trains other outdoor professionals. Mel has spent time managing basecamp for an international Scout project in Ghana, surviving on a desert island in the Pacific and is heading to Sweden later this year on a canoe and bushcraft expedition. Her mum thinks she’s mad and wonders why she doesn’t just “go on a nice cruise”…
Rupert Loch is a former Head of Science and teacher of 15 years’ experience. He formed Feral Science with the intention of providing ‘real’ curriculum based science at secondary level. His unique approach combines the skills from bushcraft, navigation and experimental archaeology. He has worked alongside established bushcraft providers and has presented workshops at a range of conferences in the UK, including the Global Bushcraft Symposium. He is also studying for a Masters in Experimental Archaeology at Exeter.
Jonathan Dymond is an experimental archaeologist and prehistoric skills educator based in Devon. He has been teaching and demonstrating flint-knapping and other prehistoric crafts for over 8 years, working with museums in the UK and internationally and as well as working with school groups and living history projects. Jonathan studied Experimental Archaeology at Exeter University and Environmental Arts at Plymouth university. He is passionate about blending archaeological study with artistic expression.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, two days of tuition and expertise from three experts, and use of all the tools and materials necessary to create a complete prehistoric hunting set; a dart with a hafted stone tip and a spearthrower/atlatl. Please bring your own meals. Staying on-site is an additional cost.
Additional Information
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this course.
Food is not included for this course. Sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a packed lunch if you prefer.
This workshop is suitable for ages 18+.
If you have any mobility concerns, special requirements, or other questions, please contact admin@butserancientfarm.co.uk for help!