Forest Fiber Workshop: Touw & Vezels Two-Day Bushcraft Course in Leersum

Touw & Vezels is a two-day fiber workshop held at Leersums Veld just outside Leersum in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands. The course gathers a small group beneath a mixed beech and pine canopy at Maarsbergseweg 18a, 3956 KW Leersum, where instructors teach how to gather, process, and twist natural materials into cords and braided goods. Over the span of 10:00 on day one to 16:00 on day two, you move from foraging to final plaited cord. The program covers identifying fiber-bearing plants, harvesting techniques, basic processing such as retting and scraping, and a variety of twining and twining techniques that transform loose fiber into useful rope, lanyards, and decorative pieces. Work surfaces are improvised on forest benches and around a communal fire that doubles as a cooker and social hub; meals are self-catered, but the fire is available for warming and simple cooking. Sleeping arrangements are flexible: bring a tent, sleep on the ground, or hang a hammock in the trees. The group size is limited to 12 participants, and minimum age is 16 (or 10 with a parent), making the course intimate and hands‑on. Tools are demonstrated on site; prior craft experience isn’t required, only patience and a willingness to get your hands dirty. What makes Touw & Vezels a standout is its focus on place-based craft. The soils and forest of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug provide fibrous species like nettles and bast-bearing trees that respond well to the techniques taught, giving students materials that reflect the local ecosystem. The setting at Leersums Veld lets learners sample different textures — long, tough strands for practical cordage and softer fibers for decorative work — while evenings under the canopy offer clear views of the night sky away from urban light. Practical tips: plan for variable weather, pack gloves and simple cutting tools, and expect a steady rhythm of demonstration followed by guided, individualized practice. The course is as much social as technical: you’ll leave with finished cords and with the know-how to source and process fibers on your own. Touw & Vezels sits within a wider conservation landscape: the nearby Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, established in the early 2000s, protects the woodlands that supply much of the workshop’s raw material. This is a low-impact experience—organizers emphasize sustainable harvesting and leave-no-trace principles—so participants are encouraged to minimize waste and respect living plants during collection. Ideal for makers, outdoor educators, and anyone wanting to slow down, the workshop balances technical instruction with relaxed forest time. Tools and communal workspaces are provided; bring gloves, a folding saw, a bucket for soaked fibers, and a sleeping system if staying overnight. Meeting point: Leersums Veld (Maarsbergseweg 18a). Spaces fill quickly; book early to secure a spot.