© Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

Ever fancied learning the ancient craft of dowsing? How about getting to grips with stone carving? You can try your hand at many traditional rural trades and crafts on courses at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester, West Sussex, which has just begun its summer season.

Learning has always been at the heart of the museum. In 1968, the original statement of its main purpose included “to establish the museum as a centre for the furtherance of local studies of economic and social history in the area.”

It continues to develop a wide range of interesting courses relating to the local countryside and historic buildings, and they are proving to be in demand.

© Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

“There has definitely been a rise in the popularity of our courses,” said Diana Rowsell, Head of Learning at the museum. “This is mainly because of the increase in the number of courses we offer. It was about six when I started, and now there are 187 course days,” she added.

The museum has established itself as a provider of award winning education and training and is committed to excellence in its continuing education programmes, from the academic to the practical and recreational.

The interesting variety of recreational arts, craft and cookery courses reflects the activities and the artefacts of the museum and the surrounding area.

© Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

“We have a significant impact on the local community,” said Diana Rowsell. “About 350 of our volunteers are local and 24% of our visitors are from the Chichester district,” she added.

Specialist education is provided with historic building conservation sessions including flint walling and timber framing and also the MSc Degree in Timber Building Conservation.

“We are primarily an historic building museum, so that makes up the core of our courses,” said Diana Rowsell. “Not many other institutions offer the Degree. One man doing it is commuting from Australia, and another from Kuwait,” she said.

© Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

The museum also runs many recreational courses for members of the public interested in country skills like sustainable gardening and willow weaving, some of which take place in the museum’s impressive Gridshell building.

Most of the courses focus on the use of traditional materials and processes; perfect for people who want to escape the rat race and get back to basics.

Emily Sands is the 24 Hour Museum Renaissance Student Writer in the South Eastern region. Renaissance is the groundbreaking initiative to transform England's regional museums, led by MLA, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.