Nature and habitat conservation through basic woodwork classes with Tom Roche

Wild Wood Work Classes With a Difference

Craftsman • Human/Environmental Rights Defender • Development Educator

Ages: For all *ages from 9 to 99 

Days: Wednesdays & Saturdays (Sundays & Bank Holidays will be considered by special request)

Time: 9:30 am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

We are passionate about woodwork, and the link to nature.

Book a class today

Give your child/grand-child or other loved one the opportunity to explore their creative side and support their wellbeing through one of my woodworking /restoration classes – you’ll be glad you did.

EXPLORE WHAT TOM'S WORKSHOPS ARE OFFERING

Future Makers Inspired

Children throught Ireland have discovered the importance of using and creating with wood through Just Forests fun, hands-on Wood of Life workshops that build confidence, creativity, and practical skills.

What makes my approach different from all others?

I am an activist, craftsman and educator committed to eco-nomic, social, eco-logical and environmental justice and sustainability for all.

I adopt a ‘multi-sided‘, no nonsense approach to learning and craftsmanship by combining the expert knowledge and experience I have gained over the years and connecting that to present-day furniture making that takes into account the social, economic, political and environmental synergies that govern and pressure our lives on a daily basis and control natural resources but in particular WOOD and the FORESTS it comes from.

Our food, our water, our livelihoods — they all come from nature.
But we’re taking more than our share, and now the fate of the one and only planet we’ve ever called home is uncertain.

The challenges facing Mother Nature’s oceans, rivers and forests affect us all — and it’s up to all of us to work together to tackle them. Because, ultimately, saving nature is the only way to save ourselves.

I passionately believe that every village like Rhode, every town like Tullamore, every community in Ireland would be a much better place to live in if every trade was serviced by local craftspeople where MIND + HEART + HANDS connects to family, community, craftsmanship, stewardship of nature and natural resources and global citizenship.

My ambition is to help spread that message and serve the people of Offaly (and further afield) as an activist craftsman and educator.

What to expect from my classes

While I love modern technology I much prefer face-to-face negotiation. So, when you have decided you would like to book a class for your son/daughter, grandchild, other loved one, or indeed yourself, we will meet in person in a mutually convienient public place. There you can tell me what you would like to get out of the class and I will tell you what I will do.

After we have agreed strategy. We will both sign an ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU). This is important so that both parties are very clear on what to expect. Payment will be made. The date and time of your woodwork class will be set. You will receive a copy of the MOU.

*P.S. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult

More about Tom

Contact Tom

086 8049389

info@tomroche.ie

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Why Hands-On Woodworking Matters

Helping adults, children & teenagers engage all their senses. It has been proven time and time again that children and teenagers learn best through doing. The benefits of hands-on work is astonishing. Children learn how to think by measurement, problem solving skills and creative design. Their senses will also be ignited – touch, smell, sight and sound.

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Building Confidence Through Creativity

Creative woodwork projects support children’s mental health and confidence. Woodworking involves many creative activities, including, drawing, storytelling and mathematical calculations thus allowing children to communicate complex, overwhelming feelings they might not have the vocabulary for.

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Hands-On Woodworking lowers stress

Engaging in woodwork can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine while lowering stress hormones such as cortisol. Completing creative tasks gives children and adults a sense of agency and accomplishment, which rebuilds self-esteem. 

What to expect from my classes

Hear from parents, teachers, and schools who have experienced Tom Roche’s development education (DE) workshops and seen young makers grow in confidence, creativity, and practical skills.

Mr. Tom Roche from Just Forests liaised with programme staff to outline the problem to the students and Tom was actively involved in two workshop/presentations with staff and students. Both workshop/presentations generated a very positive response from students. The existence of organisations like Just Forests (with its very useful website and web based resources) and Tom Roche’s own practitioner knowledge are invaluable assets to the educational community.

 

Dr. Michael Ryan and Dr. Clifford Guest, Limerick Institute of Technology, Thurles Campus

This particular project identifies and endeavours to bridge a serious gap in the formal education sector where practical, hands-on education resources with a development education perspective on environmental sustainability and human development leading to poverty eradication is urgently needed if Ireland is to meet its global responsibilities.

 

Dr. Colm Regan 80:20 Educating and Acting for a Better World

Student teachers and the primary school children were fascinated by the display pieces within this [Wood of Life] exhibition and by the stories that Tom Roche was able to give as background to the display. The multiplicity of resources which Just Forests had on display allowed for some very practical hands-on work.

The children from the primary school classes for instance set about sorting pieces of timber according to characteristics which they had noticed, an activity which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Dr. Geraldine O’Connor, Church of Ireland College of Education Rathmines,Dublin.
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Letterfrack has had the pleasure of being involved with Just Forests over the past 12 years on their journey of highlighting the importance of sustainability and awareness of global deforestation and illegal logging. We fully support the work of Just Forests.                                                                                       
Dr. Dermot O'Donovan, Head of Department, GMIT Letterfrack-The Furniture College

The work of Just Forests provides teachers and teacher educators with practical suggestions for the integration of a global perspective in the primary curriculum. The [Wood of Life] exhibition is unique and ‘hands-on’ and delivers a valuable learning experience which was appreciated by all of our students. It highlights, in a very meaningful way, the beauty of wood and the role and significance of timber and forests in the overall debate on sustainable human development.

 

Dr. Anne Dolan, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about my woodworking workshops? Find answers to the most common enquiries about safety, age groups, booking, and what to expect.

What age groups are the workshops suitable for?

My workshops are designed for children, teenagers anyone from 9 to 99. Activities are adapted to suit each age group and skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience.

Do children need any previous woodworking experience?

No. Our workshops are beginner-friendly and suitable for all age groups with little or no woodworking experience. Tom provides step-by-step guidance throughout each session.

Are the workshops safe?

Yes. Safety is my highest priority. Participants work under close supervision using age-appropriate tools and are taught safe woodworking practices from the very beginning.

What will children make during the workshop?

Participants create simple wooden projects such as birdhouses, keepsakes, toys, or decorative items. Everyone takes home a handcrafted project they can be proud of. If you have a particular item in mind that you would like to make do let me know and it will be considered.

How can I book a workshop?

You can book a workshop by  contacting me directly-see details below. I also welcome enquiries from schools, community groups, and other organisations, such as ETB's and Men's/Women's Sheds interested in arranging workshops.

How much will a class/workshop cost?

When you have decided you would like to book a class for your son/daughter, grandchild, other loved one, or indeed yourself, we will meet in person in a mutually convienient public place. There you can tell me what you would like to get out of the class and I will tell you what I will do.

After we have agreed strategy. We will both sign an ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU). This is important so that both parties are very clear on what to expect. Payment will discussed and made. The date and time of your woodwork/repair/upcycle/repurpose class will be set. You will receive a copy of the MOU.

Welcome to my Wild Wood Work class/workshop.