Weaving Wild (July 2025)

Weaving Wild Foraged Basketry – Summer Focus on Fibre

Two Day Course: Cost - £160. Deposit - £80.

Saturday 5th – Sunday 5th July 2025

As plants reach their peak growth and strength we can utilise their natural properties to make durable and versatile string. Join basketmaker Jeanette Gray of Weaving Wild to experiment with a variety of plants to extract their fibres for natural cordage making. We will then look at a variety of knotting and looping techniques from around the world to turn our cordage into string bags. 

This course is part of a series of 4 spaced throughout the year.  Each course we will work with the seasons to learn how to forage, prepare and work with a variety of wild materials using a range of traditional and innovative basketry techniques. The courses will open your eyes to the craft possibilities that exist in every garden, hedgerow, riverside, bog and wasteland!  

You will leave the summer course with the confidence to identify and responsibly harvest a variety of plants (including bramble, nettle, rush, willowbark, spruce roots and willowherb), process them, and create a beautiful basket of your own shape and design. Students typically choose to make a small pouch, waterbottle holder or phone case. 

The course will take place in the beautiful woods at the Woodland Skills Centre around the cosy campfire, with wet weather contingencies provided for. Teas, coffee and biscuits and a simple mid-day meal will be provided each day.  

There is the opportunity to camp at the Centre with access to kitchen, w.c. and shower. There is a small charge of £5 per person/per night.