What you’ll learn
You’ll harvest nettles on the day, learning how and when to gather and process them to extract the fibres. From this you’ll first make cordage, with time to refine your skills, becoming confident in the technique.

Ruby will teach how to knot your cordage in a circular pattern to form a netted bag, starting with a grommet. You’ll use a bone or wooden needle, handmade by Ruby.

Net-making from scratch like this is a process that involves a number of skills, and so it takes time to learn. With two days available you’ll be able to absorb the learning and settle into a repetitive rhythm of making.

You’ll leave knowing all you need to make a knotted net from living plant to finished bag, and most probably have a new relationship to the stinging nettle.

Making a netted bag is one of the best uses for natural cordage, and there’s archaeological evidence that our ancient hunter-gatherer ancestors did the same to make make bags, fishing nets and traps. The tools and techniques we’ll be using are the same as they used.

Who this is for
Suitable for people who are used to making things with their hands and are quietly confident.
Ideal if you’ve already made cordage and / or crafts that involve knots / loops etc.
Not suitable for complete beginners (Looped Rush Bags  /  Wild Cordage are ideal intros to netting  / cordage)
If in doubt, have a quick look at my skill-level guide.

Group size is limited to 10 participants.

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. Nettles will be included at lunch, deepening your experience of this amazing plant.

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.

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- cosy bell tents and cabins with wood-burners. The cost of staying at the farm isn’t included in the cost of the course. Read about all accommodation options.

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

See you in the woods!