Create a woven basket utilising green/brown willow and natural materials gathered from forest and downland walks, hedgerows and your garden.

This course runs over 2 consecutive Saturdays:

Saturday, 27th February: 11am-5pm

Saturday, 6th March :11am-5pm

This course is for complete beginners and plenty of one to one support will be provided with the aim of completing a basket by the end of the two day session. Also included in the course will be practical advice on the materials (normally classified as annual prunes), that are suitable to gather, together with a possible short walk (weather permitting) to aid in identification.

There will be the opportunity to forage for material in the woodland during both sessions. We will also explore a range of weaving processes, including ‘French Randing’ and ‘3 Rod Whaling’, together with creating a border and handle for your basket in the second session.

If students complete a basket, there will be additional support to create a willow plant support (wigwam) and bird feeder.

What to bring: A pair of secateurs, pliers, an old knitting needle, wooden clothes pegs, old clothes, pack lunch and drinks, note book and pencil/pens. Coffee and tea provided. Waterproofs and wellies for exploring the reserve.

Danny Manning is a basket maker and textile artist based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and has been a member of the Basketry Association since 2020. He has developed his craft through exploring Sussex folklore, customs and traditional craft techniques, working with his own locally grown willow and unconventional materials found on the South Downs.

Why not arrive early and spend time exploring the bird life on 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.

Venue: Classroom, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

Other information: Free parking available. 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.

Accessibility: Some manual dexterity and strength is required for this activity. Both the classroom and toilet are wheelchair accessible. If you need any adaptations to make your time with us more comfortable, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk and we will be in touch.

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 for at the moment, including senior citizens, students and those currently unemployed. No proof required.

Please read our terms and conditions (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/terms-and-conditions/course-and-events-bookings-terms-and-conditions) before booking

Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend an adult course or event.

(Price inclusive of Eventbrite booking fee)

Photo © Danny Manning

Description supplied by the event organiser.