Country Ways
Heritage crafts by local craftsmen and women who display centuries-old skills associated with the countryside.
Preserving the past: countryside skills in action
Step into Country Ways and discover a vibrant showcase of traditional countryside crafts that have stood the test of time. From blacksmithing and basketry to trug making and wheelwrighting, skilled artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of lace making, spinning, pole lathe turning, green woodworking and even the intricate art of sign writing and stained glass. These craftspeople not only share their expertise but also offer insights into the heritage behind each skill, with many items available to purchase directly from the makers. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with the living history of rural craftsmanship.
Live heritage: skill displays in the Country Ways Ring
The Country Ways Ring brings the countryside to life with dynamic demonstrations that celebrate rural traditions and working animals. Highlights include the ever-popular ferret racing and the majestic presence of working horses. These engaging displays offer a glimpse into the practical skills that have supported rural life for centuries, blending entertainment with education in a lively arena setting.
Showcasing in 2025
We were delighted to welcome the following craftspeople to the Show this year. Where available, we’ve included links to their work – click to learn more about their craft and get a preview of what they demonstrated on Show Day.
Bee Keeping
Sussex Beekeeping Association – Hastings and Rother Division.
Explore the observation hive, enjoy a variety of honey products, and get your questions answered by experts. Reference booklets are available for purchase.
Blacksmiths
Orchard Blacksmiths
Discover the fascinating heritage craft of blacksmithing with Orchard Blacksmiths, showcasing traditional forging techniques to create knot handrails and Bulrush design gates. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and display their work.
Green Woodworking
Pole Lathe turning and Basketry – Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group
Witness Green Woodworking, Pole Lathe turning and Basketry demonstrations. Learn about these ancient crafts from the Coppice Group.
Hedge Laying
South East Hedge Laying Society
See the fascinating skill of hedge laying, demonstrated by experts ready to answer your questions.
Saddlery
Katie Aston
Watch demonstrations of the intricate leather craft of saddle making and learn about saddle and bridle repairs.
Sky Birds of Prey
Pole Lathe turning and Basketry – Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group
Sky Birds of Prey is a family-run display team with over 50 years of collective knowledge, specialising in falconry displays and offsite events.
Stained Glass
Labyrinth Stained Glass
Discover bespoke stained glass and leaded lights, expertly designed and fabricated in traditional and contemporary styles.
Stone Mason
Wendy Hazelden
Watch skilled stonemason Wendy at work with sandstone, slate, marble, and granite, showcasing the craft in the Country Ways marquee.
Sussex Trug Heritage Centre
Discover the art of Sussex trug making, watch live demonstrations, and learn how you can help preserve this endangered craft. A real Sussex craft that is known worldwide.
Walking Stick Maker
Paul Jones
Explore a variety of walking sticks, learn about their different uses, and meet a knowledgeable walking stick maker.
Weaving, Spinning and Dyes
East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners and dyers
Enjoy demonstrations of the age-old skill of spinning and weaving, along with displays of natural dyes, with finished goods on display.
Wheelwright
Douglas Andrews Wheelwrights
Experience the art of wheelwrighting with live demonstrations, showcasing wheels in various stages of completion and fitting an iron strap around a wooden wheel.
Wild in the Country
Come and see the ferret racing, a unique funny interactive performance sure to delight. Meet the ferrets and see them race.
Working Horses
Tony Parks, 1066 Working Cobs
Enjoy a demonstration of beautiful working horses in the Country Ways ring, with opportunities to view them up close and ask questions.