Come and enjoy a day connecting with nature and learning how to make botanical prints on silk and cotton using locally grown dried flowers.

You'll learn how to select, prepare and mordant the fabric before arranging dried dye flowers and leaves, harvested this summer. Then discover how to steam your rolled bundle.

You'll also learn how to use a dye blanket to create a coloured background to your print.

The beautiful colours and patterns produced from the flowers and leaves are very exciting to see when unwrapping your bundle and each eco print is unique.

You will be able to create an eco print bandana, along with other samples, to take away with you.

This workshop is for anyone who enjoys working with natural materials and exploring creative process. No previous knowledge required.

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

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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)

Description supplied by the event organiser.