FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should you have any additional questions just drop us a line.
Where are you?
We are located in a small village within Cumbria's Eden Valley, midway between Penrith and Carlisle. Our full address will be sent to you with your booking confirmation details.
Our nearest mainline train stations are Penrith or Carlisle. Our nearest local train station is Armathwaite. Taxis can be booked in advance with the station taxi services or we can provide transfers at an additional cost.
How long is a workshop?
Our 1 day butterfly class is 7 hours and our 2 day larger specimen classes are 8 hours each day, both including a lunch hour. All workshops typically start at 9:30am but this can be adjusted if necessary to allow for travel requirements.
Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not. Our workshops are designed to give you an introduction to the craft, to spend time with you developing new skills and leave you with the confidence to be able to pursue taxidermy further either on your own or at a more advanced level. Patience, practice and respect for the specimen you are working with is all you need to get going.
Can I bring my own specimen?
Unfortunately not. In order to avoid potential issues with unprepared specimens from unknown suppliers we supply only our own. Our specimens are stored and prepared carefully in advance of your class to ensure everything meets health and safety standards and to ensure they are mite and disease free.
How do you source your specimens?
Our specimens are sourced locally and supplied by strictly approved gamekeepers only. They are retrieved as part of land management programmes from nearby estates and would ordinarily be disposed of.
How do I book?
Visit our booking page via the "Book" link either on the homepage or dropdown menu. You can review our workshop costs there and fill in the booking form request selecting your specimen, preferred dates, etc. We will then email you an invoice for your class, you can pay online using the Paypal link (all credit and debit cards are accepted). You can also pay via bank transfer. You must book within 24 hours of receipt of your invoice to ensure your chosen specimen and dates remain available.
What can I expect after booking?
After submitting a booking request you will either receive an email confirming your request for your chosen dates and specimen and a link to online payment for the class or information should something be unavailable. Once your chosen date and specimen have been confirmed by us and you have succesfully paid online you will receive payment/booking confirmation and workshop details. We then remain on hand should you have any queries or need to make any arrangements. Approximately 2 weeks before your workshop you will receive a personalised welcome pack.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
You may bring anything you feel you might need such as camera or notebook but all tools and equipment will be supplied.
Should you be staying with us, please be aware that only breakfast and tea/coffee faciltities throughout the day are provided. There are also tea/coffee making facilities in each room. The only thing you will need to think about is food for lunch/dinner (see below).
Where can I buy lunch or dinner?
A microwave is available in your workspace during the class but no kitchen is available. The workspace is locked overnight so we would highly recommend an evening meal in our village pub (there is no lunch time service). We can book this in advance for you if required. Opening times for meals: 6pm-late, Thursday to Saturday.
Should your workshop be arranged outside of these days and you would like to arrange an evening meal at a nearby pub there are several others we can recommend and offer complimentary transfers to/from.
What happens if I need to reschedule my booking?
You can reschedule your workshop at any time up to 72 hours before your scheduled class.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Unique materials such as glass eyes are purchased from our suppliers for you upon receving your booking, your chosen specimen is reserved and your tutor's time is booked into our schedule. You have a 72-hour "cooling off" period after booking to cancel your order and receive a full refund. If you cancel after 72 hours you will receive a refund for the class tuition only (minus the costs of materials ordered for you and the specimen). If your workshop is less than 72 hours from the time you request to cancel no refund can be given.
Please ensure you have made all the adequate arrangements necessary to attend your class, including double checking your transportation. Refunds will not be issued if your workshop is less than 72 hours away.
What happens if we need to reschedule/cancel your booking?
If the very unlikely event arises where an emergency requires us to reschedule your class you will be informed at the earliest opportunity and you will be offered the chance to rebook the class or receive a full refund.
Can I purchase a workshop as a gift?
Yes. Drop us an email so we can discuss your requirements for the recipient and then you can simply book online as usual. We can also provide something by email for you to print at home so you have something to offer them.
Is my class private or will I work with other students?
Your class will usually be a one-on-one experience. But should we have a request from another student for the same date for the same specimen type then we will allow up to 4 people to take the class together. This will not affect the outcome of what you learn or take home in the end.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes. While we can accommodate up to 6 people over our 3 guest rooms we usually cap the class numbers to a maximum of 4 should you wish to come as a group. This ensures everyone receives sufficient tutelage and one-on-one time and can leave with a professional looking mount upon completion. Please note we do not allow students under the age of 16 due to the dangerous tools and materials used.
What if my chosen specimen is not available?
Bear in mind that seasons will dictate what specimens are available and potentially in some cases also what your chosen specimen might look like. For example, variations in fur colour during winter or new plummage growth in Spring.
We always try to supply the best possible specimens but due to the natural process of decomposition, should we discover less than suitable quality in your specimen we may need to make a substitution.
What facilities are there in your workshop studio?
We provide all materials and tools required for your chosen specimen and are fully equipped. You will have a dedicated desktop space during your tuition with ample lighting in a heated room with access to toilet facilities.
Do you offer student discount?
We offer a 10% discount to all those returning to take additional classes with us. This discount is not transferable to others.
