Creative workshop: willow weaving garden sculptures

About the event:

Enjoy a creative day making your own willow garden sculpture at Bere Marsh Farm, with willow artist and basket maker Yanina Stockings

Yanina brings her strong values to this workshop, putting conservation and sustainability at the heart of the timeless process of weaving. 

During the day you will learn how the willow is grown, harvested and processed, and learn several key weaving techniques to produce your own garden sculpture like the ones in the photos below. Some of the willow you may use in your sculpture was planted in 2021 at Bere Marsh Farm, in an area well suited to the regular flooding we experience from the Middle Stour river.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, but please do also bring your own packed lunch.

All tools and materials will be provided and no experience is necessary.

Yanina’s workshops are fun and relaxed, with small classes so everyone gets hands on help, if needed. 

About your tutor, Yanina Stockings:

Willow weaving expert Yanina Stockings grew up in the Highlands of Scotland, surrounded by the ancient Caledonian pine forests. Much of the inspiration for her work is gained from time spent in woodlands and other natural places. Yanina has a BSc Hons in Conservation and sustainability is very important to her. All of her willow and rush is sourced in the south of England and where possible she harvests her own willow locally. Yanina trained as a teacher at Southampton University in 2009 and now runs many varied willow workshops around the south of England making this ancient rural craft accessible to everyone. 

Essential Information:

• Booking is essential as spaces are limited
• Suitable for adults only (ages 16+)
• This event is not weather dependent and will go ahead in wet weather (under the cover of our barns)
• There is a minimum number for this event to go ahead
• No refunds for cancellations within 14 days of the event
• A full refund will be given if we have to cancel the event