Sorry no, you can get lunch at one of the various sellers in Spark itself or bring a packed lunch.

Is It All Talks or Do I get to Make Stuff?

Its a large group of 34 but my tutor and I ensure that most sessions have hands on elements - you will have a go at: a rag rug square, weaving with willow, making butter and toothpaste, and some kind of candle, have a go at raw fleece weaving, make a permaculture design of your plot, and more.

Why is it not suitable for kids?

We are adult education. We want to teach you to be more self-sufficient. This is best done in focus groups, with education at the core. You can go home and teach your family what you have learned. We love kids but find that it's ok to have empowering YOU time too.

Is there public transport?

Spark is central in the city of York so available to access by bus, train, car (parking is paid) or bike if you are local (Spark has bike racks). If you are driving we encourage lift share and parking apps.

Sunday, March 29

Self-Sufficiency Day, York, U.K.

By Wild Harvest School of Self-Reliance

Join Wild Harvest School in Spring 2026, as we bring traditional rural skills to the city centre.

Date and time

Location

SPARK York

17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB United Kingdom

Agenda

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

What is Self-Reliance and Why is it Important?

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Planning Your Plot - Using Permaculture Design

Listen to the Sustainable Growing talk to understand how to work with Nature to maximise yields, then get to create a base map and permaculture design of your garden.

12:30 PM - 1:00 AM (+1 day)

All About Willow

Learn about the many uses of willow in self-sufficiency and have a go at weaving a fence and basket - in communal projects.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Rag Rugging - Have a go on a Sample Square

After this session you will be able to make rugs at home using your old clothes.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch Break - Eat in one of the Eateries at Spark or Bring a Packed Lunch

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn to Make Your Own Natural Toiletries

Listen to the talk about what you have around you; in the wild, your garden and kitchen cupboards that you can make toiletries from. Have a go at Di's toothpaste recipe.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Making Light

Discover how to make candles from some unusual 'stuff' that is all around you. What do Lard, a mop head, childrens crayons, and nettle stems all have in common.... - they can all give light in a powe...

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Churn Butter in a Family Sized No-Electric Churn

Our butter churns get passed around as each of you stirs some love into the making of this essential food stuff. Butter is then made into pats so each guest gets a little pat to take home.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Foraging Essentials

A talk and some demos on Foraging Wild Food - covers the law and safe I.D processes that you should not begin foraging without.

4:30 PM

The Rest - Anything we choose to add, or you want to expand on!

Good to know

Highlights

6 hours, 30 minutes
Ages 18+
In person

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Home & Lifestyle • Home & Garden

Welcome to our new Self-Sufficiency Day full of talks and practical workshops to help you upskill to downshift...

Whether you want to future-proof your family against shortages or learn some skills to help you lead The Good Life, there are many reasons to become more Self-Sufficient.

Make, grow and forage your household essentials, become self-sufficient in health, food, light, heat and more.

Join Wild Harvest School in Spring 2026, as we bring traditional rural skills to the city centre.

Come for a day of talks and supporting workshops that will include...

Permaculture - Growing Sustainably
How to make Light
How To Make Natural Toiletries
Wild Medicines
Wild Food Foraging
Growing/Harvesting/Preparing Willow for Fuel and Weaving

Practical sessions will include five or six from...*

Making a base map of your growing space, whether you have a balcony or an acre garden together we will make it more efficient.
Rag Rugging - make a sample square so you know how to do it again at home and turn all your old clothes into cosy rugs.
Toothpaste Making
Beeswax Candle making to accompany the talk about alternative fuels and wicks that can be used to create light.
Have a go at weaving willow: a communal fence or mini baskets.
Butter Making
Short foraging talk covering advantages, cautions including the law, examples, health benefits and more.
Maybe a bit about pet sheep, lanolin and raw fleece peg loom weaving 'have a go sessions'.

Location

Spark:York17—21 PiccadillyYorkYO1 9PB

Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/7aQK9p7PHVERjGPg6

Date and Time

Sunday 29th March 2026

11am - 5.30pm

Who are we?

Wild Harvest School have been teaching self-sufficiency skills for nearly twenty years as one of the longest serving schools in the UK. We have taught on Escape to the Country, Countryfile, ran workshops for Country Living Magazine, been in Landlove, Crafts Beautiful, and regularly featured in the Yorkshire Post rural life magazines.

Based from our tipi site sustainable education venue in the rural outskirts of York the school began with founder Di, a mother of three and teacher, living off-grid on the moors. Using what was around them to provide for much of their household needs.

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Wild Harvest School of Self-Reliance

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Mar 29 · 11:00 AM GMT+1

Self-Sufficiency Day, York, U.K.

Date and time

Location

Agenda

Good to know

About this event

Come for a day of talks and supporting workshops that will include...

Practical sessions will include five or six from...*

Location

Date and Time

Who are we?

Frequently asked questions

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Organized by