Stover Country Park is holding its fifth annual Bronze Age Workshop on Sunday the 20th of July.

This year the workshop will involve casting a bronze age bushknife based on a perang.

A finished bronze bushknife, 15« inches long

The Perang originates from the jungles of Indonesia and it must be one of the most practical designs for a bush craft knife. This perfectly balanced softly curving blade with square end is an ideal choice to show how good ancient bronze tools really were. Today most modern bronzes are soft and designed for casting and not for tensile strength, but 3000 years ago Bronze Age metal workers produced very functional tools. This workshop links Bronze Age metal technology and centuries-old tool design. Each person who attends the workshop can take home a usable tool, - they can split kindling for the fire, or clear weeds in the garden using 3000 year old technology.

The day will be spent out in the woods, with the group learning about the secrets of bronze working. The group will then caste a blade using a charcoal fuelled forge.

A red hot crucible full of molten bronze, fresh from the charcoal fuelled forge

Each person will then get their own pre-caste blade identical to the one caste on the day. Then throughout the rest of the day each person will work on their own blade, cleaning and edge hardening it. The day will end with looking at techniques to fit the handle.

Tea and coffee are provided as well as a simple lunch cooked on the open fire. Bring old clothes and lots of enthusiasm.

The cost is £45 including all materials and refreshments. Booking is essential.

For more information or to book a place call  the Ranger’s Office on 01626 835236

The white hot centre of a charcoal forge.

Each person will work on their own pre-cast blade, identical to the one cast by the group, cleaning and polishing it using bronze age methods. The day is finished with looking at designs for handles and scabbards.

The workshop will be held in the woods and lunch will take place around the campfire.

The workshop runs from 10am until 5pm, and the cost  is £45 including all materials, campfire lunch and refreshments.

Booking is essential.

For more information or to book a place call  the Ranger’s Office on 01626 835236