Woven Bark Trugs
From tree to basket: two, in-depth days learning about bark, beginning with the harvesting. Weave it into a sturdy trug that’s perfect for gathering veg / flowers in the garden, or carrying tools. Their texture and colour brings the woodland into your home.
July 3 / 4 (Friday / Saturday)
Two days, 10.30am – 5pm both days
£275
Venue Open air woodland setting in a 70 acre ancient woodland on a family-run working farm: peaceful and beautiful Dernwood Farm Nr Heathfield, East Sussex.
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian pine splint baskets, I’ve designed these trugs made of sweet chestnut bark with English rush handles. They’re strong, long-lasting, useful and a beautiful pairing of materials.
What you’ll learn
On these immersive two days you’ll forage all your bark, cutting and then processing it for weaving.
We’ll cover where, when and how to harvest bark in a sustainable way.
Tuition from Ruby will include safely cutting coppiced sweet chestnut, handsaw and knife skills.
On the second day you’ll learn how to start the weaving and create the trug shape.
You’ll learn an ingenious border and then add twined rush handles to complete.
You’ll be guided through all the stages of the making process, and leave with the knowledge you need to make a bark trug from start to finish
Who this is for
Suitable for people who are used to making things with their hands.
A degree of physical work is required in harvesting and processing the bark.
Not suitable for complete beginners.
Not sure? have a quick look at my skill-level guide.
What’s included
A simple but hearty and delicious organic vegetarian lunch is provided, cooked on the camp fire. We’ll also have have a kettle on the fire, with teas, biscuits and fresh fruit available all day.
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.
Just fabulous. Fun, creative, incredibly informative (Ruby’s hugely inspiring teaching) and in a place of such simple beauty. Way beyond all hopes, a treat of an experience that I shall never forget – shared with lovely people. Rebecca, Brighton
Accommodation: camping is available at the farm venue, and full details about this 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 accommodation options.
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.
