Learn traditional timber framing while helping create a lasting community space.

Join us for a unique five-day volunteering programme and help build a beautiful reciprocal roof roundhouse at Northern Roots.

Working alongside our Land Team and Community Roundhouse Project Lead Tom Barber, you’ll gain hands-on experience using traditional building techniques and natural materials to create a space that will be enjoyed by visitors, schools and the local community for years to come.

Whether you’re completely new to woodworking or already have practical experience, everyone is welcome. The programme is all about learning together, sharing skills and building something that reflects the spirit of Northern Roots.

About the project

At Northern Roots, we’re creating spaces that bring people together.

This community-built roundhouse will become a welcoming gathering place for learning, events and shared experiences. As a participant, you’ll be helping to create a lasting part of the site while learning practical heritage building skills alongside others from the local community.

Model of reciprocal roof roundhouse.

Choose your workshop

To give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part, we’re running two separate workshop weeks. To apply, you must commit to 1 week.

 

Launch Event – Thur 24 Sept

Pre-workshop gathering to learn more about the Community Roundhouse Build and to meet the team before the workshops begin. Optional, time TBC.

 

Week One – Frame & Foundations

Mon 5 – Fri 9 Oct

Learn the fundamentals of traditional timber construction, including:

  • Setting out and preparing foundations
  • Working with roundwood
  • Traditional timber framing techniques
  • Safe use of hand tools
  • Practical woodworking skills
  • Building the roundhouse structure

 

Week Two – Roofing and Finishing

Mon 19 – Fri 23 Oct

Building on the work completed during Week One, you’ll help complete the roundhouse by learning:

  • Joinery techniques
  • Creating a living roof
  • Installing a rainwater harvesting system
  • Additional woodworking skills

Key Information

  • Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm
  • A free lunch will be provided each day
  • All tools, safety equipment and PPE will be provided. If you have your own steel toe capped boots, safety gloves ect, please feel free to bring them.
  • A pre-build introduction event to meet the team and learn about the project
  • A celebration event after the build to thank everyone involved
  • When applying, please let us know which workshop week you would like to join, Week 1 or Week 2. As places are limited, we may not be able to change your allocated week after your place has been confirmed.

 

Who can take part?

These workshops are open to anyone aged 18 or over with an interest in learning new skills and working as part of a team.

No previous building experience is required, but participants should be prepared for practical outdoor work, including manual lifting, standing for extended periods, working at height and using hand tools.

 

To Apply

Please complete the application form here.

Have a question? Email info@northern-roots.uk

 

This project is made possible thanks to The Green Spaces Fund.