Rush Foraging Baskets

Two courses in 2025:

May 10 (Saturday)
August 23 (Saturday)

10.30am – 5pm

£140

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 in the woods round a camp fire making one of these popular and beautiful foraging basket using true English rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris). These tactile foraging baskets are my own original design, made so that they hang across the body. They’re particularly suited to gathering berries, nuts, small mushrooms… and other treasure you might find on your wanderings.

May 10: Book Now

Aug 23: Book Now

‘Weekend’ Offer #1: make a ‘weekend’ of it by booking Rush Foraging Baskets (May 10) and Brushes & Whisks (May 9) together for £255

Book 'Weekend' Offer #1

‘Weekend’ Offer #2: make a ‘weekend’ of it by booking Rush Foraging Baskets (Aug 23) and Rush & Rose Baskets (Aug 22) together for £255

Book 'Weekend' Offer #2

English rush is a lovely material to work with, a native plant with a long history of use in basket making. It’s particularly suited to beginners, but those with previous experience can develop and consolidate existing skills. Suitable for all levels including beginners. Groups are kept small to allow for individual attention.

Loved being out in nature, sitting around the fire. I was very skilfully tutored and encouraged, met some lovely people and delicious food. Left at the end of the day feeling relaxed and happy, and also came away with a very useful basket and a restored faith in my abilities! Anne L, Sussex

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.

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 accommodation options.

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

You can read FAQs here.

See you in the woods!