Join us for a fun day making charcoal. Learn how the process works and get involved with making your own charcoal.
Our home built retort doesn't compact or heat the ground and runs largely on its own gas. The result is a much lighter and cleaner charcoal that burns hotter and imparts a natural taste. It is made using sustainable coppicing and thinnings of sycamore and oak. All done by hand. naturally and with minimal environmental impact.
Over 90% of charcoal consumer in the UK is imported, predominately from endangered tropical rain forest and mangrove habitats in South America, West Africa and South east Asia. Imported charcoal is an environmental and flavour disaster.
25th June 2022 Woodland Feasts presents charcoal making and woodland feast
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions with regards to our feasts and courses here at Woodland Feasts.
Gift Vouchers
Do you offer Gift Vouchers?
Yes, we do offer gift vouchers, which are available to purchase online.
When purchasing a Gift Voucher, you can choose to have your voucher delivered via email, or via post.
All our gift vouchers are valid for 18 months from the date of payment. Gift vouchers are non-refundable.
How do I redeem a Gift Voucher?
All our Gift Vouchers can be used to book our events.
to redeem an Event, within the Booking Form, there is section that asks ‘Do you have a Promo Code?’ – you’ll need to click on this and a new box will open where you can add your voucher code.
Once you’ve added the voucher, if applicable you’ll be able to pay for any remaining value through the booking system.
Please note you’re also able to use multiple vouchers per booking.
If you were unable to redeem your voucher and get in touch within 3-months from the expiry date, our team will be happy to assist in providing a revised voucher for a £10 fee per voucher, with a further validity of 30 days from date of issue.
If you were unable to redeem your voucher and get in touch over 3 months from the expiry date, we are regrettably unable to further extend. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Bookings
How do I book a seat to an event?
Tickets to all of our dining events are available to buy online through our website only. We accept all major debit and credit cards. We are unable to accept cash, cheques or payments over the phone.
How often do you run events, do they take place all year round?
We generally run our range of Events all throughout the summer, we will be hosting between 3-4 public events per month.
How many people join your events?
We limit our dining events to between 10-24 guests.
We like to keep things intimate and give you an opportunity to meet and engage with a small and diverse group who all share a common passion for food and the great outdoors.
Secondly, we have limited space, facilities and staff and a smaller group allows us to focus on the quality of our dishes and the service and hospitality you deserve.
When do you launch tickets to your events?
Tickets to our events are generally launched between 2-6 months in advance, depending on the event.
- Spring Season (May) | All live by 6th May
- Summer Season (June- July) | 21st May
- Autum Season (August- September) | 1st June
To be the first to hear about new events, you can follow us on Instagram @woodland_feasts. As soon as we launch the tickets, you’ll be the first to be notified about tickets being available.
If an event is sold out, we also have a waiting list for all our events, which you’re welcome to pop your name down for. In the event that we receive any cancellations and tickets become available, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Do you take walk-ins?
No, all guests must have pre-booked tickets to an event or course. We won’t be able to cater for any walk-ins on the day.
I’d like to join an event, but it’s all sold out. Do you have a waiting list?
If one of our events is sold out, our online ticketing system does have a waiting list option. Just pop your name in the Waiting List section on the event listing, and if any tickets do become available, we’ll be sure to get in touch.
When will I receive directions and other important information about the event?
We send out final information to our confirmed guests 3-7 days prior to the event. These will include directions to the event and what to bring. After making a reservation, please make sure to allow emails from enquiries@bowshiel.org in your spam settings, so as not to miss further communication from us.
I’ve bought tickets to an event, but unfortunately, I can no longer make it.
We have a strict cancellation policy of 30 days for events for a refund (minus a processing fee of £5.00 per ticket). If you let us know at least 30 days prior to the event, you can receive a voucher for the full value of your booking, or move your seat to an alternative event (subject to availability).
No other cancellation options are available.
What happens if an event is cancelled by Woodland Feasts?
In the event of Woodland Feasts cancelling an event, guests will first be offered the opportunity to reallocate their ticket to a future event.
Please note this does not include any costs incurred through accommodation or transport.
What if someone in my party has mobility restrictions?
We have done our best to make our venue at Bowshiel accessible to wheelchair users, however please note that we are based at a very rural location. Access to our Sheil and the terrain within it is step-free and (within the constraints of any natural area) wheelchair-friendly, but this is dependent on the weather and other factors outside our control. We do not have access to a disabled lavatory.
Our Woodland event venue is a 5-minute walk and whilst it is step-free, it is a dirt track and therefore uneven. We are unable to provide any customer transportation.
Our Food
What style of food do you serve?
a three-course lunch cooked over our own charcoal and open fires and with all ingredients sourced from the site or from our Berwickshire and North Northumberland neighbouring farms and food producers. Drinks, including foraged tea and cordials, are provided and guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. All courses are served “en famille”, so diners share each course, giving them the opportunity to meet new, like-minded, people and create stimulating conversation. We are committed to strengthening our local food community and do our very best to support our fellow independent businesses.
Do you accommodate dietary requirements or food allergies?
Our menus are best suited for flexible, adventurous eaters with a strong focus on seasonally and locally inspired ingredients, including wild and foraged foods sourced from nature’s larder.
Due to the nature of our events and uphold high-quality standards we are only able to accommodate limited dietary requests at our dining events. Our dining events are intimate affairs with small groups, centred around a set menu lovingly prepared in our remote woodland kitchen by our small kitchen team, therefore preparing a separate menu to cater for dietary needs is not always possible. Please note that for the majority of our dining events, we are able to provide vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives, these options are selected upon booking your seats.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, please note that all ingredients are handled in our woodland kitchen therefore it is impossible for us to guarantee that your dish will be 100% allergen-free. If you do have a serious allergy, please make that known to us before booking, so we can provide you with information to help you make a safe and informed choice.
If we are hosting an event specifically themed around a certain ingredient (for example a wild game feast), due to the theme of the event alternatives such as vegetarian options may not be available.
We urge you to check the ‘Further Information’ section on the event listing for specific menu / dietary details related to the event you’re interested in, prior to booking your seat.
In the event that we are unable to cater for your requirements and you have already booked a ticket with us, providing you get in touch within our cancellation period, you will be eligible for a Refund as per our Terms and Conditions.Will I be able to see a copy of the menu before I arrive at an event?
Our menus always focus on seasonally and locally inspired ingredients, often including wild and foraged foods. Specific menus will not always be communicated in advance.
Our ingredients are both seasonal and local, so we reserve the right to amend the menu owing to availability or quality of ingredients. In such case, we will make a substitution keeping with the theme and value of the event.
I'm pregnant, can you cater for me?
Our menus have a strong focus on seasonally and locally inspired ingredients, including wild and foraged foods sourced from nature’s larder.
If you are pregnant or lactating, as a general rule of thumb it is advised to avoid trying anything new, in case of any adverse effects on you or your baby. There is not a lot of reliable evidence confirming the safety of wild ingredients during pregnancy, therefore consumption is at your own risk and discretion.
Please read our Dietary Policy for further information.
What is shared “en famille” dining?
For us, food is for sharing and is at the heart of any memorable event. At all of our events, you’ll be seated with fellow diners on sharing tables. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’re with all your friends, and you might even leave with some new ones!
To encourage conviviality, a number of the dishes are designed for sharing and will be put in the centre of your tables. Our tables seat 4-8 per table, and all our sharing dishes are generally shared between four guests, unless otherwise advised.
Joining Our Events
Is parking available?
Plenty of parking is available here at Woodland Feasts. We have a tarmac area at the entrance which is also our log yard. We request that you respect other parked cars and leave them room to depart without obstruction.
Please note it is not possible to leave your vehicle at our venue overnight without prior arrangement.
Do you serve alcohol?
The majority of our dining events are BYOB (bring your own beverage) unless otherwise stated. For BYOB, please bring whatever drinks you wish to consume. Please double check the event page for details on whether the event is BYOB or not.
We always provide wine glasses and water glasses, and water will be provided for the table at all events.
We are sorry, but we will not have any drinks available to purchase, in the event that you forget!
Can I take photos during an event?
Absolutely. We understand that you may want to capture the moment and it’s a sincere form of flattery to us! You are very welcome to tag us on Instagram (@woodland_feasts). Please ensure to ask permission if you wish to take photos of any guests not within your party.
What if I’m running late, or won’t be able to arrive for the start time?
Please try not to be late. We wouldn’t want that to spoil your experience of the event so please leave plenty of time for travel. For events hosted in our woodland, we have a 5 minute walk to reach our location – therefore it’s best if everyone arrives on time.
If you are late, we will make every effort to greet you as soon as possible and show you to the woods and help you pick up the event.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
We are a casual dining experience, there is no dress code. Please come dressed comfortably in whatever you feel best in. Our events take place in the woods; therefore we always advise on wearing suitable footwear.
Whilst we always hope for pleasant conditions, we recommend that you also bring a warm layer and waterproof, in the event of inclement weather. This is Scotland!
What happens if it is due to rain, and the event is outdoors?
Our events take place come rain or shine as we strive to always provide an outdoor dining experience for our guests.
In the woodland, we have a large shelter which provides us with a covered dining and kitchen area, as well as an awning.
In adverse weather conditions, there may be extreme circumstances in which we would have no choice but cancel/postpone the meal. Adverse weather conditions may include heavy rain, high winds, thunderstorms, hail or heavy snow, or when warnings are issued by the Met Office. The safety of our customers and team is paramount and we reserve the right to make an informed decision.
We advise always keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately.
I can’t bear to leave my dog at home, can I bring him/her with me?
We permit well-behaved dogs to a small number of our events, and you are required to check with us in advance if you wish to bring a dog. Dogs must be always kept on leads, and owners must dispose of their dog’s waste in a safe and responsible manner.
Family Events and Children
Are children welcome at our events?
Children are welcome, but our experiences are designed around the adult palate. Please note we do not have high-chair facilities or baby-changing areas (other than on the grass).
Private Events
Does Woodland Feasts host private events?
Yes, we do! We would be delighted to host either your private or corporate events and we can tailor these to your requirements.
Explore new directions for your business and enjoy your team’s success out in the open, under the trees with a corporate event with Woodland Feasts. We offer bespoke experiences in a relaxed, natural environment, which can include a combination of open-fire cookery, foraging, natural arts and woodland yoga.
Foraging experience
Foraging is a great way of connecting with our natural environment and making the most of the ingredients on our doorstep. You can’t get more local than your nearest hedgerow!
Charcoal making experience
Charcoal will be made using our own retort, which uses its own gases to reach temperatures of about 500c. It’s great fun and quite a spectacle, but we will ensure your safety during the firing itself by maintaining a distance. You will help selecet and prepare the wood, load and light the kiln and Heddy will explain the history, process and benefits of British charcoal – particularly when made in a retort. The retort needs to cool overnight, so the charcoal made on the day will not be available to take away, but we stock bags of our charcoal for sale.
Yoga experience
Our yoga instructor, Carina’s background and qualifications:
Having studied Sports Science and worked as a personal trainer she began studying Yoga more deeply to see it through a prism of storytelling and dipped her toes into teacher training.
Whilst studying Hatha Yoga she took a deep dive into Raja Yoga meditation for two years and immersed herself in experiential learning and practice working for The Life Centre /Yogacampus in London. In 2014 she became a registered Yoga Alliance Vinyasa teacher through Yoga London.
During a year in Los Angeles, she practiced daily with Kundalini teacher Normandie Kieth who became an inspiration through her teachings of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Whilst in LA she also studied Vedic Meditation with Emily Fletcher (founder of Ziva meditation).
Cider making experience
We make a ‘keeved’ cider from the carefully selected cider apple varieties in our orchard. We also make fresh juice, which we will be able to sample on the day. You will either help with picking and preparing apples (and we’ll press some for juice there and then), or ‘scratting’ (smashing up..) and pressing the apples that have been prepared and matured – depending on season. Heddy will explain the history and various methods of making cider and the challenges and factors in selecting and managing an orchard (in Scotland…).
Scottish Game
We focus strongly on wild game, an underrated, healthy, ethical and environmentally friendly food, responsibly sourced from our woodland and local estates with respect to the seasons.
Wild & Foraged
Our menus celebrate ingredients foraged from nature's larder, connecting us with the land around us.
Cooked Over Fire
We embrace traditional, nomadic fire cooking techniques which add a unique complexity of flavour and texture to our dishes.
What Our Guests Say
Our Dietary Policy
Our menus are best suited for flexible, adventurous eaters with a strong focus on seasonally and locally inspired ingredients, including wild and foraged foods sourced from nature’s larder.
Due to the nature of our events and to uphold high-quality standards we are only able to accommodate limited dietary requests at our dining events and cookery courses.
Our dining events are intimate affairs with small groups, centred around a set menu lovingly prepared in our remote woodland kitchen by our small kitchen team, therefore preparing a separate menu to cater for dietary needs is not always possible. We urge you to check the ‘Further Information’ section on the event listing for specific menu / dietary details related to the event you’re interested in, prior to booking your seat.
Please note that for most of our dining events, we are able to cater for vegetarians and gluten free guests only.
If you are pregnant or lactating, please read the dietary information further below with regards to the consumption of wild ingredients.
Dietary needs must always have been communicated and approved prior to booking your seat at our table and must be advised to our team no later than 7 days prior to the event so that our chefs can make the necessary arrangements.
Each of our menus are mindfully created, inspired by our nose-to-tail and root-to-fruit ethos as we strive to reconnect people with what’s on their plate. While we cater for some dietary restrictions, we kindly ask that preferences and dislikes aren’t specified upon booking, as we would love for you to enjoy each dish as they are intended.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, please note that all ingredients are handled in our woodland kitchen therefore it is impossible for us to guarantee that your dish will be 100% allergen-free. If you do have a serious allergy, please make that known to us before booking, so we can provide you with information to help you make a safe and informed choice.
If we are hosting an event specifically themed around a certain ingredient (for example a wild game feast), due to the theme of the event alternatives such as vegetarian options will not be available.
In the event that we are unable to cater for your requirements and you have already booked a ticket with us, providing you get in touch within our cancellation period, you will be eligible for a refund as per our Terms and Conditions.
Consumption of Wild Foods when Pregnant
Our menus have a strong focus on seasonally and locally inspired ingredients, including wild and foraged foods sourced from nature’s larder.
If you are pregnant or lactating, as a general rule of thumb it is advised to avoid trying anything new, in case of any adverse effects on you or your baby. There is not a lot of reliable evidence confirming the safety of wild ingredients during pregnancy, therefore consumption is at your own risk and discretion.
Whilst wild ingredients are not listed specifically within the NHS guidelines of foods to avoid, some wild ingredients may contain chemical compounds that are potentially harmful when consumed in quantity by pregnant ladies.
For example, some types of pine needles can induce miscarriage in animals, nettles may trigger uterine contractions, some plants stimulate milk flow, as well as numerous herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medicines are not recommended during pregnancy.
Please advise our team at least 7 days prior to the event if you are pregnant/lactating. Please note that for events focused on foraged foods, due to the nature of the event we will not be able to provide an alternative
CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY OR CLIENT: DINING EVENTS
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In the event that the Company is unable to deliver the Dining Event, and provides you more than 30 days’ notice, the Company shall provide you a full refund.
In the event that the Company is unable to deliver the Dining Event due to government imposed COVID-19 restrictions, the Company will provide you with 3+ new alternative dates to move the booking to. You will also be provided the option for a Gift Voucher, valid for 12 months, eligible towards any Dining Event (subject to availability). In the event that you wish to cancel your tickets, you may also request a refund (minus a transaction fee of £5.00 per ticket and any third party booking fees).
In the event that the Company is unable to deliver the Dining Event, and provides you fewer than 30 days’ notice, the Company shall provide you a full refund or you will be offered to rebook the Event during the following 6 months.
In the event that you notify the Company that you are unable to attend a Dining Event at least 30 days prior to the specified date, you will receive a full refund (minus a transaction fee of £5.00 per ticket and any third party booking fees). Alternatively, you can request a voucher for the value of your booking, or move your seat to an alternative event (subject to availability).
In the event that you notify the Company that you are unable to attend a Dining Event with fewer than 30 days remaining prior to the specified date, you will not receive a refund.
For the avoidance of doubt, your non-attendance at an Event will be deemed as cancellation, and 100% of the payable fee will be charged.
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