Rush Hats

May 11/12

1.5 days

Saturday 10.30am – 5pm, Sunday 10.30am – 1pm

£195

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.

Spend a day and a half in the woods, round a camp fire, weaving a rush sun hat using true English rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris). Perfect for the summer days ahead.

English rush is a lovely material to work with, a native plant with a long history of use in basket making. You’ll learn cross weave, twining and an elegant border. Your hat will be bespoke to your head size, and treated with reasonable care, will keep you shady for many summers to come.

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Suitability: for people who’ve done some weaving before or are good with their hands/are used to making things. Not suited to complete beginners. Groups are kept small to allow for individual attention.

A simple but hearty vegetarian lunch is provided, we’ll have have a kettle on the camp fire, plus a huge tarp on hand for cover in case we need it. 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.

The whole experience, from the weaving itself to the silent walk, lighting the fire, and the mindfulness was all really special. It’s inspired me so much! Thank you for a wonderful day. Kate, Sussex

Follow-on courses: Reed Mace Baskets; Looped Rush Bags; Rush & Wild Rose Baskets; Rush Foraging Baskets

You can read FAQs here.

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 more about onsite and offsite accommodation options.

See you in the woods!