Pine Needle Baskets
An immersive day in the woods making a small basket from locally-foraged pine needles. Fragrant and sturdy, with beautiful texture and subtle colours. Great for storage in the kitchen, or for your precious items.
August 2 (Sunday)
10.30am – 5pm
£145
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.
There’s an ancient, world-wide tradition of making baskets from pine needles with this coiling technique.
Weekend Offer
Book Pine Needle Baskets and Rush Foraging Baskets together for £275
How and when to harvest and prep pine needles, and which trees offer the best needles for basketmaking.
Ruby will teach how to start the basket and stitch the coils, forming and shaping your basket as you go.
We’ll look at different stitches, stitching materials and tools.
There will be sample baskets made by coiling other easy-to-forage plants, to inspire you.
There will also be examples of baskets showing lids and various fixtures to give you ideas for your future projects.
You’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to continue making coiled baskets at home.
Bone needles and wooden needles will be available for you to use to make your basket the way our Stone Age ancestors would have.
Handmade by Ruby, these can also be purchased on the day, as an optional extra.
What’s included
A simple but hearty and delicious organic vegetarian lunch is provided, cooked on the campfire. We’ll also 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.
To support you in getting the most from the days, we’ll connect to the woodland surroundings through a short and simple, guided mindfulness-based practice.
One of the things I was most grateful for was doing the basket-making together, in community and good company. Thank you so much for the warm, intentional container you created. Jennie
Suitable for all levels.
Group size is limited to 12 participants.
Accommodation: camping is available at the farm venue and details will be sent to you when you book. 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.
Follow-on course: Grass Baskets
Any questions?
Please read 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.
