Woodland workshop in Dorset
1-Day Venison Butchery Workshop and Feast
Learn to butcher a deer in a day, then cook it over the fire and share a feast in the woods.
The workshop
From carcass to plate in one day
Ever wanted to know exactly where your meat comes from? This is a hands-on day in the woods for anyone keen to learn about ethical meat processing, traditional skills and cooking really good food outdoors.
Held in Norden Woods near Corfe Castle, you'll help break down a whole deer, learn what each cut is best used for and how to waste as little as possible. Then we cook it over the fire and sit down to eat together. It's practical and relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions and get stuck in.
- Learn to butcher a whole deer step by step, with an expert guiding you
- Find out which cuts suit which dishes and how to make the most of every part
- Pick up proper knife technique and good hygiene habits you'll use at home
- Enjoy venison steak rolls for lunch and a woodland feast to finish
Who it's for
Anyone who loves good food and the outdoors
You don't need any experience, just an appetite and a willingness to get involved. People come along for all sorts of reasons:
What the day looks like
Your day in the woods
Welcome to the woods
We'll run through the plan for the day, safety and hygiene, the tools we use, and give you an overview of the deer and how the butchery works.
Venison butchery
Learn to butcher a deer step by step. You'll see how the key cuts are removed and prepared, and why each one is treated the way it is. You'll get hands on throughout, building confidence with the knife as you go.
Venison steak rolls for lunch
A highlight of the day. Fresh venison steaks cooked over the fire and shared as a group, proof of how quickly good venison turns into great food.
Cooking over the fire
The rest of the cuts go into a warming stew, chilli or curry, and everyone helps with the prep and cooking. While it bubbles away there's time to practise some useful outdoor skills, such as:
- Knife skills and looking after your knife
- Using an axe safely
- Preparing and managing food at camp
The feast
We sit down together to enjoy the meal you've helped make. It's relaxed and informal, with time for questions and tips on using what you've learned in your own kitchen or outdoors.
Head home well fed
With new skills, a full stomach and a much better idea of where your meat comes from.
Why book with Land & Wave
A day you'll actually learn from
Hands on
You do the work, rather than watching someone else do it.
Ethical and respectful
A real focus on using the whole animal well and wasting as little as possible.
Skills that last
Knife work, butchery and fire cooking you can use at home or outdoors.
Great food
Lunch and a feast cooked over the fire, made with the venison you prepared.
Relaxed group
Friendly, informal and full of chances to ask questions.
A beautiful setting
A day in Norden Woods, right by Corfe Castle in the Purbeck countryside.
If you're looking for a venison butchery workshop in Dorset, or you've always wanted to learn to butcher a deer in a day, this is a brilliant place to start: practical skills, a better understanding of your food and a memorable day in the woods.
Good to know
FAQs
Do I need any experience?
No. The day is designed for beginners as much as people who already have some game prep knowledge. We'll guide you through every step.
Is food included?
Yes. Venison steak rolls for lunch and the afternoon feast are both included, along with all instruction and guidance.
Where does it take place?
In Norden Woods, near Corfe Castle in Dorset, a short drive from Swanage.
What time does it start and finish?
We start at 10:00 and finish at 16:30.
How do I book?
Book online using the booking page. If you have any questions first, call us on 01929 423031 or get in touch.
Saturday 20 March 2027
Save your place by the fire
One day, one deer, one feast. Learn a skill most people never get the chance to try.
Prefer to talk? Call 01929 423031