Berry Basket Willow Weaving Workshop

The Rewild Project is a community interest company (CIC) that seeks to connect people with nature. We target marginalised and disadvantaged groups to help them reach their full potential. We also run a range of projects in local communities, schools, woodlands and at festivals. To find out more and how you can get involved visit ourwebsite.We have six main area’s in which we work:Traditional HandicraftsLand-based SkillsHealth and WellbeingSocial ForestryEco EventsEco-BuildingOur overall vision is to bring all of these area’s together on our own land, building a world leading environmental education centre and heritage craft village.Kensley Sheds (sited just off Speech House Rd, Cinderford, Forest of Dean) is our main base where we run activities and workshops. Although this is a hive of activity, we also do outreach work across Gloucestershire.

The Rewild Project

Exploring different varieties of willow and weave a small round berry basket with a handle, suitable for beginners.

This spring, we are hosting a series of workshops designed to lift your spirits and skills!The Rewild Project CIC is a non-profit, so all fees from workshop ticket sales go directly back into the organisation to help fund the amazing work we do!We have a limited number of subsidised tickets available for those on low income, so please be mindful of this when selecting your ticket price. And if you would like to give more, you can give a donation on the day.Workshops are aimed at adults, 18+ but we can make exceptions on a case by case basis.Scroll on down to discover what we will be doing on the day...

Lin is one of Rewild's experienced instructors who has spent many years working with wonderful willow. During this one day course, we will explore the use of different varieties of willow and learn about willow preparation. We will weave a small round basket with a handle, suitable for foraging and harvesting berries and other tasty delights. This course is suitable for beginners. We will provide:<ul><li>Relaxed and fun instruction</li><li>All tools and materials</li><li>A covered area incase of rain</li><li>A fire to keep warm</li><li>Refreshments </li><li>Simple vegetarian lunch on a 'pay as you feel' basis</li></ul>

About the instructor: Lin left Wales in her teens for the bright lights of the city of Bristol which is where she discovered her passion for willow weaving or ‘playing with sticks’, as she affectionately calls it. Initially doing a crash course in round baskets in order to teach adults with mental health issues she has continued to teach and expand her knowledge base and still teaches the craft some 20 years later. She has worked with children and adults and as well as thriving on being creative herself she loves to share the skills of this heritage craft with anyone that will listen. Lin lives with her husband, son and two naughty dogs in the Forest of Dean and feels eternally happy to live in such a beautiful place with such a creative and friendly community.She believes in weaving and in it’s rhythmic and meditative approach promoting a sense of calm and well being. The fact that you are using natural materials which are a sustainable resource, usually sourced from Somerset, is perfect when many of us are turning back to the ‘old ways’ and trying to protect our environment with a low impact way of life. Willow is harvested during the winter months, dried and then re-soaked to make it pliable enough to weave with again. During spring the willow begins to grow and by the autumn it will be long enough to harvest again.Lin enjoys making and teaching functional baskets with a mix of traditional and contemporary weaves. Of course the use of willow, in it’s full potential, is only restrained by the imagination. Baskets are not all willow is good for, sculptures, garden structures, decorative art are all possibilities….the list goes on. As well as using willow, living in the forest offers the opportunity to introduce foraged materials. The forest floor is a gold mine for basket handles, adding a bespoke touch.Find her on Instagram and Facebook @tumpwillows or check out her website for courses and products at www.tumpwillows.com

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