Get creative!
Tie and Dye
Come and tie and dye a t-shirt in bright, festival colours and patterns. Learn to tie strings to create different effects on your shirt and then pop it in the bucket of dye.....and wait ...
Please note there will be a small charge to cover the cost of the t-shirt and dyes or bring your own t- shirt.
Meditative Macramé
Learn the craft of macramé knots and make your own keychain or zip pull. Each knot tied is a chance to slow down and experience the satisfaction of making something with your own hands.
Crafting with Leather Scraps
Join leather artisan and designer Georgie from Hands of Tym to make use of leather scraps from the production of hand-made leather goods to craft something unique.
Visit Hands of Tym to learn more about what Georgie does by clicking on the link below:
Ink and Wood Block Printing
Join local arts charity Jelly for a fun, artist-led woodblock printing workshop. Bring clothes, tote bags or patches to print and take home your own nature-inspired designs using sustainable inks. Blank t-shirts and bags will be available to purchase from the Merchandise Stall if you don't have one spare!
Click the link below to find out more about the work Jelly does:
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A capella Harmony Singing
Come and sing all sorts of songs with Katy Rose Bennett in sweet a cappella harmony. The songs are taught by ear; all abilities welcome - no previous singing experience needed. There will be an opportunity on Sunday to share what you've learned!
To find out more about Katy's music, please click the link below:
Jam Jar Terrariums
Make a small jam jar terrarium- if you are able to bring your own jam jar please do!
Upcycled fashion: Creative Costumes
Come along to sort through our huge pile of reclaimed fabrics/materials to create costumes, accessories, flower crowns or whatever your imagination allows! Adult supervision and help required for children.
Click the link below to find out more about sustainable fashion:
Make a Willow Bird Feeder
This workshop is for adults or children over 12 with adult help. Learn how to make a bird feeder from willow. Find out more about garden birds, mixed in with a bit of folklore. Bird food included!
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Printmaking with Tetra Paks
Come design and print your own image using Tetra Pak cartons; this intaglio print process allows for great creativity and attention to detail. Only suitable for those 13 years and above due to sharp tools.
Poetry Writing
Come and write some poetry! If you haven't tried it before, don't worry! In this workshop, we will read and discuss some poems and explore different ways to get started.
Fun with Typewriters
Discover more about these survivors of a pre-digital past and have fun with words! Learn how typewriters work and then use one to write whatever you like. This is a space for creativity and experimentation. Ideas and creative prompts will be available for those unsure of what to write.
Find out more about the work Anne does helping people tell their stories:
Creative Writing
Explore creative writing and creative thinking, with different activities to exercise the linguistic, literary and free-flowing wordy part of your brain!
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Learn to tie knots!
Ever fancied knowing how to tie proper knots? Take this opportunity to learn some really handy, beautiful knots that you can use every day!
Japanese Visible Mending
Sashiko traditionally layers simple stitches to mend textiles. This visible mending honours the textile's history and repairs. Come along and have fun stitching, no experience needed.
Origami Animals: For Kids by Kids
Learn to fold animals from paper, or bring your skills to teach others your favourite fold. This workshop is child-led, suitable for beginners, but experts are welcome too!
Willow Doodling
Just like when you doodle, this process of exploring will have no planned outcome. Instead, we’re excited to see what unexpected shapes and twisted forms we can all create. But it’s not only for explosions of creativity, feel free to relish the sensory joy of feeling and manipulating materials.
This workshop is led by artist and maker Robert Grieves. Find out more about his work by clicking the link below:
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Watercolour Bookmarks and Cards
Make your own watercolour bookmarks and cards! Choose from a variety of ideas and templates, then use the simple instruction cards or create your own beautiful design!
Clay Creations in the Woods
Get creative with clay in the woods! Use clay and natural materials to make all kinds of creatures to live amongst the plants and trees. Suitable for all ages.
Knitting for Everyone
Beginners and experienced knitters alike are invited to come and enjoy some knitting time together. Bring a project or have a go using our materials.
Besom Broom Making
Learn about the endangered heritage craft of besom broom making and make your own broom from a hazel stick and birch twigs.
Learn more about besom brooms by clicking the link below:
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Welcome to Wood Singing Circle
All voices are welcome to come together in song! Sing simple, moving and joyful songs in harmony to connect with ourselves and each other as we open the festival weekend!
Find out more about Lisa Doscher, by clicking the link below:
Held in Tension
Held in Tension is a collaborative co-production arts-research project, transforming public dialogue and disagreements about climate and environment into a shifting sculpture, making opposing values visible, tangible, and open to reflection.
Take part in this interactive installation through carving and adding your carving to the sculpture as well as joining in the discussion.
Felt Flowers
Start with fleece of a myriad of colours and create beautiful flowers using felt making techniques. Children 10 and under will need an adult to help.
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Move, Breathe, Flow
Flying Yoga
A playful, dynamic combination of simple partner acrobatics and yoga. This session is aimed at older children and teens but adults can join too!
This workshop is led by Ash Bond, who is also an amazing author. Find out about Ash's published books by clicking the link below:
Circus Skills
Learn circus skills such as juggling, contact juggling, diablo and more. Suitable for both those who have never had a go or those who want to improve their skills. We will be outside weather permitting.
Early Morning Slow Flow Yoga
Find your inner peace, combine breath work, relaxation and movement to help connect with your body and calm your mind. New to yoga or continuing your practice, everyone is welcome.
To find out more about Laura and her yoga practice, click the link below:
Hula Hooping
Come spin and dance with us, learn tricks and have fun. No hooping experience necessary!
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Moving Meditation
Using the ancient art of Qigong and Tai Chi, slow mindful movements co-ordinated with the breath enable us to access our life force energy (Chi), improving our mental and physical health and well being.
To find out more about Charlie's practice, click the link below:
3K Fun Run!
Join us for the second annual fun run! Have a leisurely jog dressed up as your favourite Wood animal! (or in your best fancy dress) Suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike- but this is Wood remember, ain't no marathon! |
Soulful Play
Through play, improvisation and movement, this workshop will explore our connection to others both physically and vocally. We will delve into our playfulness as well as our empathetic and compassionate sides.
To find out more about these creative workshops and the work Tim does, please click the link below:
The Ramshackle Ceilidh Band
Learn how to dance this traditional dance guided by the caller and musicians. No dance experience necessary- just bring your enthusiasm and love of moving your body to music.
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Dance of the Heart: Dance Meditation
If you are open to something a little different, this is for you. Dance of the Heart helps us to raise our vibrations, and create more “feel good”, empowering us to attract whatever we wish into our lives. Come to enjoy this blend of fun, joy, and love energy- come willing to play too!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
These Taijiquan (Tai Chi) sessions will involve the study of ones structural/postural integrity, Chansijin (Silk reeling - moving the entire body in a connected, flowing manner), Fang Song (Deep relaxation/loosening exercises) and Qigong principles.
Learn more about this practice by clicking the link below:
Hatha Flow into Your Day
A gentle, nourishing class, with breath-led movement, to bring a sense of calm and balance to set you up for the day. All levels welcome. Bring a mat (and cushion / blanket if you have one)!
Find out more about what Louise does by clicking on the link below:
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Wellbeing, Stillness and Healing
Buddhist Chanting and Meditation
Settle the mind using the breath to find calm and clarity with Buddhist meditation in the Samatha tradition. We will be sitting on the ground so please bring a rolled up sleeping bag.
To find out more about the Buddhist meditation in the Samatha tradition used in this session, please click the link below:
Indian Head Massage
Learn to give, and receive, an Indian Head massage in this relaxing workshop. Indian Head massage is a wonderful experience to share with friends or family and the perfect way to de-stress and relieve tension in the head, neck and shoulders. The massage takes place over clothing and without oil.
Learn more about what Katie does by clicking on the link below:
Shamanic Journeying for Beginners
Learn the basic principles behind the art of shamanic journeying and be guided to journey to connect with an animal spirit ally. Whether you are new to journeying or already practising, come and reconnect to the art of the intentional day dream at Wood Festival.
New Moon Circle
Join Kayleigh for a New Moon circle including crafting, enjoying a moment of calm, singing and connecting with the land.
To find out more about Kayleigh by clicking the link below:
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Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient therapy based on the theory that certain points on the feet and hands correspond to different areas in the body. Learn more about this therapy with Julia, a member of the Association of Reflexologists.
To find out more about Julia, click the link below:
Sound Healing
A workshop exploring various sound healing techniques using the voice and other instruments to create sounds and frequencies that can have beneficial qualities. Thoby will demonstrate techniques as well as give instruction on how others can create and perhaps work with these sounds.
Find out more about the music of Thoby Davis by clicking the link below:
What's your next chapter?
Creative and reflective exercises to gain insight for your career plans. Drop in, browse exercises and try some out, with guidance from qualified careers adviser Lucy Hawkins on hand.
To find out more about the work Lucy does, click the link below:
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Connect with Nature
Astronomy Walk and Talk
Start at the workshop meeting point at 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and wait until we can see the first star or planet (it might be Venus or Jupiter! ) Spot and name other stars and constellations and learn about the mythological stories associated with them as well as the science of stars and the solar system.
Nature Soundscapes
Avoca’s immersive workshops bring the calming sounds of nature into a safe, nurturing space, inviting participants to explore gentle movement, vocalisation, and authentic self-expression.
To find out more about Avoca's work, click the link below:
Forest Bathing
An invitation into surrender and letting go. Let nature support and replenish you, as you open to its magic. Reconnect with your sensitivity and all that is alive within you.
To find out more about forest bathing and the work Mark does, click the link below:
Conversations with Owls
Accompanied by Owla and Phyllis, her rescued barn and tawny owls, zoologist Dr Sasha Norris will speak about the needs of wild animals and our desperate desire and need for connection with the natural world: how this manifests in wildlife rescue work and how we can best direct it to help biological diversity everywhere. Sasha runs a wildlife sanctuary in Herefordshire, as well as registered charity Siren Conservation Education. Sasha shares her home with over 100 rescued animals and 20 different species whom she cares for and observes diligently throughout the year. They are, she says, her greatest teachers.
Find out more about Sasha by clicking the link below:
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Nettles are your friends!
Learn how to make nettle cordage with Juliet and how to safely forage and taste nettles with Hannah (aka The Gypsy Baker).
To find out more about Hannah's baking, please click the link below:
Listening to the Land
This activity, led by The Nature Effect, is for adults and young people aged 14 and up.
In this immersive and reflective experience, you’ll be introduced to simple yet powerful practices that help you slow down, see more deeply, and attune to what Nature is revealing. Through quiet observation, breath work and opening our sensory awareness, we will explore how the natural world can mirror and illuminate our personal inquiries. We’ll gather to share what we’ve seen, heard, and felt—allowing the land itself to become a teacher.
For more information about the Nature Effect, please click the link below:
Nature Walk with Earth Trust
Join Earth Trust's Tim Read on a nature walk around Braziers grounds.
To find out more about Earth Trust, please click the link below:
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Take Action
The Americas, South to North by bus, boat and Brompton bike
A presentation about our nine-month family sabbatical travelling through the Americas by bus, boat, train and our four Brompton folding bikes from the Falklands to Vancouver Island.
More information about the trip can be found by clicking the link:
Climate Action Now!
The workshop uses stories, games, arts and crafts, films, and conversation to inspire new connections, learning and action on climate change.
Run the World! What would our world look like with you in charge?
An energetic simulation game led by the Global Academy. Explore our world and the changes you would like to see. We’ll work in small teams or families to visit the challenges of the future.
Find out more about what the Global Academy does by clicking the link below:
An Introduction to Braziers Park
Learn about the history of Braziers Park and the community that lives there. The talk will be followed by a Q and A.
To find out more about Braziers Park and the community that lives there, please click the link below"
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Try something new.
Wood Kids
Enjoy performances, crafts and fun for the whole family in the Kids' Tent.
Woodland Den Building
Join us to build a woodland den. You'll be guided on how to construct your own shelter, whether it's a hideaway for fairies or your own mansion. Just bring your imagination, friends and family. A session for all ages, but children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Parachute Games
Come and play cooperative and fun parachute games for kids of all ages. We'll be outside if the weather allows but if it's too hot or wet, we'll be in the Kids' tent. Our parachute is large enough for over 20 kids!
Clay Creations in the Woods
Get creative with clay in the woods! Use clay and natural materials to make all kinds of creatures to live amongst the plants and trees. Suitable for all ages.
Nature Printing
Learning how to make prints with plants using the Hapa Zome technique as well as Indian Block printing with paint.
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Family Music-Making Fun!
Come and move, sing and play! With catchy songs to capture your imagination, we'll be making lots of lovely sound with our voices and homemade instruments.
Aimed at children up to 5 years old, with older siblings welcome to join us.
To find out more about Boogie Mites, please click the link below:
Children's Yoga
Family friendly fun imaginative stories and movement with yoga. Sarah is a trained Forest School leader and children's yoga instructor.
To find out more about Sarah, please click the link below:
Giant Cardboard Construction
Come along to this sculpture workshop and have fun creating with cardboard! Join in to make a big group sculpture or make one by yourself. Learn cardboard sculpture skills for joining sections together, making textures, along with how to use papier-mâché!
Forest School Crafts
Join our Forest School leader to make woodland treasures with natural materials. The forest will inspire creativity & imagination!
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Sparkle Up!
Simple face painting, glitter and crazy hair. Forgot your facepaints? Lost the glitter? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We'll sparkle up your hair and paint your face if you want, to get yourself ready for the festival fun!
Bottle-top Castanets
Make your own bottle top castanets from recycled materials!
Animal Origami for Kids
Come and make origami animals in this workshop for kids, led by kids who love to craft animals from paper. This is a workshop for kids of all skill levels. Space for this activity is limited and younger kids will need a grown up to help.
Songs + Stories for Little Ears: Français, Español + English
Come along to sing French, Spanish and English nursery rhymes with us and listen to interactive stories for children 0 - 5 years old.
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Beautiful Buttons and Marvellous Mosaics
Using upcycled materials like old beads, unwanted buttons, jam jar lids, and bits of old plates, we will create something unique and beautiful together! Will it be a festival necklace, a tiny mosaic picture, or even a celebration of the Wood animal of the year, the Lizard?
Wild-erful Warriors
Embark on a Wild-ERFUL adventure with Junk Jodie and Dexter Dear! Meet their recycled friends, Elena Eagle and Oscar Otter. Learn how to take care of wildlife and get inspired to create toys from junk and bring them to life with your imagination! Enjoy sing-along songs and rhymes and embrace your inner Eco Warrior…
Find out more about Junk Jodie by clicking the link below:
Happy Squares Construction
Have fun constructing with Happy Squares!
Wildflower Seed Bombs
Use compost, water and wildflower seeds to mould a seed bomb. Then take it home to create a haven for bees and butterflies!
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Bee Insect-AZING
Buzz with Junk Jodie and Bobby Bee to explore the importance of gardens and insects. Spark creativity and meet with recycled friends like Greyson Grasshopper, Leonardo Lady Bird and Betsy Butterfly!
Find out more about Junk Jodie by clicking the link below:
Loose Parts Play
Join the Oxfordshire Play Association in making, creating, exploring and experimenting with loose parts. The only limitation is your imagination!
Find out more about the Oxfordshire Play Association by clicking the link below:
Family Singing
Bring your whole family and have fun singing together. They'll be rounds, singing games, bluesy songs and silly songs.
Anansi and the Lost Sun
Using traditional West African stories about Anansi the Spider as a meeting place, we enchant, entertain, educate and build cross-generational dialogue. The story is told using puppets made from everyday materials, beautiful traditional West African music.
For more information about Swallow's Wings Puppetry, please click the link below:
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The Den
A chill-out zone just for teens to learn, play, or just relax.
Flying Yoga
A playful, dynamic combination of simple partner acrobatics and yoga.
Karate for Beginners
Learn the basics of Karate.
Book Binding
Learn to make a beautiful notebook by hand using recycled materials and basic bookbinding techniques.
Dramatic Poetry Performances
Make percussion out of recycled materials and then learn how to dramatise poetry.
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Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a team game that's real fun and easy to learn!
Clay Meditation
Tune into the senses and explore the shapes that emerge, merge and transform when working intuitively with clay. A quiet space to explore mindful creativity.
Find out more about Anna's practice, by clicking the link below:
Dream Catchers
Learn how to make a basic dream catcher from willow and wool.
Tetra Pak Printmaking
Come design and print your own image using Tetra Pak cartons; this intaglio print process allows for great creativity and attention to detail. Only suitable for those 13 years and above due to sharp tools..
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Table Tennis Tournament
Sign up at Festival HQ to participate in the annual Wood Festival Table Tennis Tournament!
Games about Thinking and Doing
Join the Global Academy for 2 lively games to test your ‘Higher or Lower’ knowledge and to find out whether you are more often a team player or a free thinker.
Players 10 years and upwards.
For more information about Global Academy Games, please click the link below:
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Film Screenings
This year we are pleased to be screening Power Station on Saturday evening. Two artists in Walthamstow set out to take their street off the grid, kickstarting a solar-powered energy revolution.
Inspired by lockdown mutual aid initiatives, artist-activists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn decided to turn their street into an energy-generating powerhouse – a prototype for a new way of living, with the hope of galvanising a wider push towards sustainable alternatives.
Find out more about Power Station by clicking the link:
There will also be a kids' film on Friday night (Book of Life) and a late night film (Sing Street) screened on Saturday night, all in Giant Redwood.
And more...
Who could forget our cycle-powered silent disco and karaoke?
Kindling
This is our space for kindling ideas and revolution, hosted by hedgehog-loving ecologist and author Hugh Warwick. Hugh's amazing list of guests over the years has included the legendary Peggy Seeger, environmental and political activist and author, George Monbiot, Guardian columnist Nell Frizzell and “Infinite Monkey Cage” comic Robin Ince. Take a look below to see what's happening in Kindling in 2026...
Robin Ince: Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth
To find out more about Robin Ince please click below:
Angeliki Kerasidou: The Only Way is Ethics
To find out more about Angeliki Kerasidou and the Ethox Centre, please click below:
Kit Yates : The Maths of Life and Death
Click the link below to find out more about Kit Yates:
Jo Wimpenny: The Beauty of the Beasts
Click the link below to find out more about Jo Wimpenny:
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Chloe Edwards: Local Nature Recovery Strategy
To find out more about Chloe Edwards, please click below:
Isaac Campbell: Mycorrhizal fungi- a tale of two halves
Click the link below to find out more about Issac Campbell:
Eva Wishart: Who let the mice out?
Click the link below to read the BBC article about Eva and the mice:
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Ed Finch: What the F*** is wrong with education?
To read more about Ed Finch and Education please click below:
Hugh Warwick: Killing in the Name of Conservation
To find out more about Hugh, please click the link below:
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Lucy Forest: Protecting Ancient Woodlands
Click the link below to find our more about Lucy:
Roger Close: Is this the 6th mass extinction?
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Caper
This year at Wood, Kindling partners with Caper, an independent family bookshop, activity and event space in East Oxford. Caper relocates to the Kindling Tent with books for sale, story time for kids and author's talks.
