Looped Rush Bags

natural cordage netted bag

May 17 (Saturday) 2026

10.30am – 5pm

Venue: open air woodland setting in a 70 acre ancient coppiced wood on a family-run working farm: peaceful and beautiful Dernwood Farm, Nr Heathfield, East Sussex.

Come and make a looped cordage bag in the woods round a campfire. This bag is perfect for storing or carrying, and is an introduction to looped knotless netting.
Rush is a beautiful native wild plant that has a long tradition of use in basketmaking. It’s soft, lovely to work with, and has gorgeous hues from green through to gold.

What you’ll learn
You’ll learn how to make English rush into cordage. Then you’ll learn how to loop it into a strong and semi-pliable structure. Ruby will also teach how to make denser and more open structures, and how to create a good shape to your bag. There will be samples of looping made from a variety of wild foraged plants to inspire you.

There’s archaeological evidence of this kind of looping from Mesolithic times in mainland Europe. It’s a technique that’s remained essentially unchanged since then, and is loved by contemporary basketmakers and fibre artists.  

What’s included
A simple but hearty vegetarian lunch is provided, cooked on the campfire. We’ll also have have a kettle on the fire, with teas, biscuits and fresh fruit available.
I aim to offer you a satisfying learning experience as well as an enjoyable time away from it all. To support you in getting the most from the day, we’ll connect to the woodland surroundings through a short and simple, guided mindfulness-based practice.

Being absorbed in such a beautiful activity in a beautiful place was very enriching and exactly what I needed. Thank you for making it so. JB, Sussex

natural cordage net course sussex

Who this is for
This course is suitable for people who’ve had a go at making cordage before, or for beginners who are used to making things with their hands.

Group size is limited to 10 participants.

Accommodation: camping is available at the farm venue and details will be sent to you when you book on the course. The farm also has glamping options, including cosy bell tents and cabins with wood-burners. The cost of staying at the farm is not included in the course. Read about all accommodation options.

Follow-on courses: Wild Cordage (string); Reed Mace Baskets; Rush & Wild Rose Baskets

Any questions?
Please have a look at the FAQ page.

See you in the woods!

Featured in the Guardian lifestyle section. National Geographic & Toyota put Native Hands in their top 125 UK adventures.