Seaton Wetlands Announces Exciting New Partnership with Earth Rights Collective to Deliver Willow Workshops

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. Workshops include crafting a willow swift for your garden and building a willow sweet pea obelisk, using willow harvested directly from the wetlands. These workshops, which are suitable for all abilities are the perfect way to prepare your garden for the growing season. The workshops compliment the Countryside team’s already popular events programme, which also features activities including spoon carving and family crafts and trails.

Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder, Coast, Country and Environment, commented:
"The East Devon District Council partnership with the Earth Rights Collective is an exciting addition to the Countryside teams’ event programme at Seaton Wetlands. Not only does it showcase the sustainable use of natural materials, but it also provides a fantastic way for people to engage with their local environment. Whatever your ability these workshops offer people the chance to get creative with natural materials and have a great time whilst doing so. "

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."

Belinda Martin, Willow Sculptor at Earth Rights Collective, shared her enthusiasm:
"I’m passionate about working with natural materials, and it’s a privilege to teach others how to transform willow into beautiful and functional creations. Seaton Wetlands provides the perfect location for these workshops, and I’m excited to see what we can create together."

Additional workshops and activities for 2025 will be announced soon. To learn more and secure your place, visit wildeastdevon.co.uk.