Did you know nettles can be spun into silk? Have you heard of solar dyeing? Discover how textiles can be made from the plants and natural materials around us in a hands-on workshop with two parts. Textile artist and historical interpreter Kirsten Milliken will demonstrate a variety of ancient skills waiting to be rediscovered by would-be crafters. This will include creating twine from common plants that you can easily find growing in your garden and beyond.
In the second part, she will move on to solar dyeing, a method of using plants to colour and imprint. Participants will create their own sample in a jar to take home and look forward to unveiling.
On day two, forager, ecologist and nature guide Ian Edwards will share his expertise on a family friendly walk through the grounds of Wiston Lodge. We will be looking for seasonal flowers, fruits, roots and mushrooms that will provide the basis of a simple demonstrate of preparing, cooking and enjoying wild foods.
Ian says: Foraging for even a small part of our diet can make a significant improvements to our health and connects us in a very direct way with the living world all around us. Wiston Lodge is home for a diverse range of edible and useful plants, all with interesting stories. What can we learn from the past and what potential for wild plants to sustain us in future.”
Tea, coffee and lunch with produce from the Wiston garden included in tickets.
Price per day, adults, £55, children, £35. Both days, adults £100, children £60. Practical activities suitable for age 7 up, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Smaller children welcome but may require assistance from an adult to participate. Times 10am-3pm (will be confirmed closer to dates).