Horrell & Horrell - Wild & Wasted Clay Workshop

WILD & WASTED CLAY WORKSHOP;

A ceramic workshop that focus on working with wild clay, foraged directly from our meadow and stream here at Horrell & Horrell. This workshop is rooted in the desire to foster a deep connection to the unique character of our land. By engaging with clay that comes straight from the ground beneath our feet, participants will experience a tactile, grounding process that promotes mindfulness and presence.

Wild clay holds a special kind of magic. It speaks of history, geology, and the slow processes of the earth. These workshops are not just about making pottery; they are about connection, and slowing down. Working with clay has long been known to support mental health, offering a soothing, meditative experience that calms the nervous system and encourages creative expression. The added element of sourcing and using wild clay brings an even more profound layer of meaning, grounding people in the rhythms of nature and inviting them into a dialogue with the land.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the heart of this practice. By using foraged, local wild clay, the workshops maintain a low carbon footprint and emphasize a more regenerative relationship with the earth. This aligns with our broader commitment to rethinking waste, and prioritizing practices that are gentle on the planet.

We provide a welcome drink on arrival, but as with all our experiences, these events are BYO (we also provide jugs of water, and you are welcome to bring any other drinks, and a cool box/bag if you wish)

WHAT OUR GUESTS CAN EXPECT;

A beautiful meadow setting at Horrell & Horrell, overlooking Corton Denham ridge and Cadbury Castle

Natural clay preparation

Hand building techniques

Vessel shaping

Decoration

Guests take home a unique, hand crafted vessel, as a tangiable memory of their day

All clay has been sourced from our land and prepared ahead of the workshop

The day ends with a grazing lunch served in our new Field Kitchen

TIMINGS;

Join us at 10am where we will welcome you with coffee and pastries

We spend the morning and early afternoon learning techniques and cooking over fire, with various tasters along the way

At 1pm we all sit down for a grazing lunch

The day finishes at 2pm and we will have your pots here for collection 4 weeks after the workshop date

ABOUT ALICE WATKINS, FRIEND OF JULES & STEVE, AND FOUNDER OF WILD & WASTED;

Alice’s background is in Fine Art, with 18 years of experience as a Scenic Artist in theatre. During a period of ill health, she discovered ceramics as a form of therapy—a personal, healing process that soon grew into a professional path. Her work is now featured in Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK, where she creates bespoke tableware that complements the art of fine dining.

Her ceramics are also exhibited at The Burton Art Gallery, a space known for showcasing exceptional ceramic craftsmanship.

This personal journey informs Alice’s immersive workshops, which centre on working with wild clay—clay foraged directly from the land where each retreat is held. Working directly with this raw, local material keeps carbon miles low and fosters a conscious, grounded connection to place. These sessions are more than creative exploration; they are an invitation to slow down and re-engage with the land in a thoughtful, tactile way.

Wild clay holds a quiet kind of magic. It carries the memory of the land—its history, geology, and slow natural rhythms. As participants shape this raw material, they develop a deeper relationship with nature and a renewed sense of place and self.

Alice’s vision is to hold space for healing, slowing down, and reconnection. Working with wild clay invites us into stillness, reflection, and a deeper sense of belonging.