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Join local craftsman David Yule from Nothinglikewood to learn the traditional craft of wood whittling in the peaceful setting of Wardown Park's arboretum.
Join local craftsman David Yule from Nothinglikewood to learn the traditional craft of wood whittling in the peaceful setting of Wardown Park's arboretum.
Summary
Summary
This weekly wood whittling session is a great way to improve well-being and practice an enjoyable craft. You'll learn how to use carving knives safely and build and develop your whittling skills, making simple things such as spoons, butter knives and small decorative object from green wood. The aim is to give you the confidence to continue whittling in your own time, as well as to enjoy the company of others in the peaceful surroundings of Wardown Park's arboretum.
Wardown Park around Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Old Bedford Rd, Luton, LU2 7HA
Getting here
Getting here
Address
Address
Wardown arboretum is next to to Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Old Bedford Rd, Luton, LU2 7HA. We meet in the arboretum under the mature trees, where Dave will have set up the activity.
Walking
Walking
Most people walk to the site. Surrounding wards include Barnfield, Biscot, Bury Park, Bramingham, Central, High Town, Round Green and Saints.
Public transport
Public transport
The nearest bus stops are on New Bedford Road (bus routes 24, 25, 26) and Old Bedford Road (bus routes 3A, 79, 755, CN3 and MK1).
Parking
Parking
There are 2 free car parks just outside Wardown House. They're accessed from Old Bedford Road (opposite number 192) and New Bedford Road (opposite Bath Road).
Using a whittling knife
Short documentary about David Yule, who runs the wood whittling session.
Whittled spoons
Opening times
Opening times
These sessions run every Tuesday morning 10:00am to 12:30pm, until 14 July 2026.
We'll break for the summer and then start again from September to November 2026.
Costs
Costs
Sessions cost £6.50 + Eventbrite booking fee
That includes:
hot/cold drinks
all tools and equipment
Who can join activities here?
Who can join activities here?
These sessions are for adults 18+ only, and you will need to book on Eventbrite before attending.
Carers or support workers are welcome to accompany attendees. They do not need to book an extra ticket, but please let Dave know beforehand. Email nothinglikewood@gmail.com.
No prior experience is necessary.
Facilities
Facilities
A cafe and toilet facilities are nearby in Wardown House and Museum.
Accessibility
Accessibility
The site is mainly on level ground and near paved pathways
An accessible toilet is nearby in Wardown House and Museum
How to sign up
How to sign up
Book your place on the Wildlife Trust eventbrite page.:
About the staff
About the staff
The activity is led by David Yule. David is First Aid trained.
Languages
Languages
David speaks basic Turkish.
Good to know
Good to know
This activity is at an easy-to-reach central Luton location
The session is held outdoors in pretty much all weathers, so dress appropriately.
A cafe and toilets are nearby (open from 11am)
Specialist wood whittling tools
“The use of sharp tools requires concentration and focus, which can calm a restless mind”
“The use of sharp tools requires concentration and focus, which can calm a restless mind”
More about David Yule
More about David Yule
'David isn’t just a woodworker—he's a passionate craftsman who has been perfecting the art of wood working since 2011. With just an axe and a knife, David transforms simple pieces of greenwood into beautiful, functional objects. Through his love for traditional woodcraft, he has connected with individuals, families, and groups, and his journey is a testament to the therapeutic power of working with your hands.' [from Forest of Marsden Vale website]
In 2018 David started a monthly spoon club in Maulden Woods, which is now a thriving club of carving enthusiasts. In 2024, David decided to share his joy of whittling and the wellbeing that he receives from the craft, when he started a weekly wellness whittling club first in the Millenium Country Park in the Forest of Marston Vale and since 2025 in the arboretum in Wardown Park in Luton.
Partner role: provider of nature-based activities
Still have a question about this activity?
Still have a question about this activity?
For general questions about this activity, contact the Luton Health and Nature Partnership.
Alternatively, contact the David Yule directly on on 07714 418 448 or e-mail nothinglikewood@gmail.com. You can also find David on Instagram @nothinglikewood.
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