The East Devon District Council Countryside team is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Earth Rights Collective, a craft organisation led by local willow sculptor Belinda Martin. This collaboration celebrates the beauty of natural materials, with a series of willow weaving workshops at Seaton Wetlands, starting this December and continuing into 2025.
The first workshop, Willow Christmas Decorations, takes place at Seaton Wetlands on Sunday, 8 December from 10am to 12noon. Participants will learn to craft festive decorations using traditional willow weaving techniques. The workshop is open to all abilities. The workshop costs £20 and includes all materials, tuition and a mince pie. Participants will leave with three beautiful and sustainable decorations, with zero impact on the planet, that can be enjoyed for many years.
The series of willow workshops are delivered by artist, and climate activist, Belinda Martin. Belinda draws inspiration from natural materials to create beautiful works that foster connections and inspire hope through creativity.
Looking ahead to 2025, the team will work with Belinda to host a variety of workshops at Seaton Wetlands to inspire creativity and connection with nature.
James Chubb, Countryside Team Manager, added: "Seaton Wetland is a unique wetland site that provides habitat for wildlife and opportunities for the local community to engage with nature. Harvesting willow from the site for some of these workshops is a brilliant way to promote sustainability and creativity, and we’re delighted to be working with Belinda to deliver these workshops."
Additional workshops and activities for 2025 will be announced soon. To learn more and secure your place, visit wildeastdevon.co.uk.