Learn how to make an extensive range of botanical inks using plants from the garden and local environment.

As the days shorten and autumn sets in, join us in the classroom at Woods Mill Nature Reserve for a creative day discovering the world of plants through natural dyes.

During this full day workshop, you will make swatches of all the coloured inks created from the plants and experiment with modifiers to see how they give striking colour shifts. Its very exciting to see the unexpected colours, textures and patterns made by the ink spreading and combining with other colours on the paper.

There will be the opportunity to make brushes from natural materials which you will use to explore mark making with and produce some gift tags and cards to take away with you.

This workshop is for beginners, more experienced natural dyers or anyone who would like to make ink for their own creative practice.

Fiona is a natural dyer with an hons degree in illustration from Camberwell School of Art and a postgraduate degree from the London Institute of Education. Her interest in natural dyeing began whilst looking to produce a range of colours for her weaving yarns. She then became involved in managing the dye garden at Ditchling Museum and finds the whole process; from growing dye plants from seed, dyeing the yarns and using them for her textile work, very rewarding. Her aim is to help others reconnect with nature and explore the potential of growing and identifying dye plants so they can use natural dyeing in their own creative practice.

Venue: The Classroom, Woods Mill Nature Reserve, BN5 9SD

What3words: ///laminated.menu (http://laminated.menu).expires

What to bring: Pack lunch and drinks for the day. Warm clothes and outdoor wear, should you wish to explore the reserve at any point.

What’s included: coffee, tea and biscuits will be available on the day.

Why not arrive early and spend time exploring the reserve. Woods Mill (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/woods-mill)is a prime example of what the wider countryside once contained. Visitors can walk past the old ponds and lake, through the ancient woodland, alongside the streams and waterways into the unimproved meadows with their wild hedgerows. This variety of habitat attracts an impressive number of species including mammals, insects, amphibians and birds.

Parking: Free parking available.

Facilities: Public toilets can be found in the car park and classroom.

Public transport: Compass Bus 100 Burgess Hill-Pulborough stops outside Woods Mill. Monday – Saturday service. Check timetable (https://compass-travel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2025/02/100.1.2.3.4.pdf) for updates. Please be aware that the walk from the bus stop is along a busy road with no pavement.

Accessibility: Both the classroom and toilet are fully accessible. If you would like to discuss any adaptations that will make your time with us more comfortable, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk and we will be in touch.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend an adult course or event. Please read our terms and conditions (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/terms-and-conditions/course-and-events-bookings-terms-and-conditions) before booking.

As a thank you to our members, for supporting our vital work across Sussex, we offer a discounted price on most of our courses. Join Sussex Wildlife Trust today. (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/make-a-difference/join)

We have a limited number of concession tickets available to anyone who finds our standard rate tickets out of reach at the moment, including senior citizens, students and currently unemployed. No proof required.

(Price inclusive of Eventbrite booking fee)

Photo: Goldfinch on Teasel © Tom Boyle

Description supplied by the event organiser.