Willow Weaving - Winter Obelisk, Stars and Wreaths**Course Full - Please call 01825 761820 for Alternative Courses** (UC09U07B)

Course overview

An intensive but fun and festive one day workshop using Willow to create a 3 dimensional obelisk for your garden. Obelisks can be used all the year round to support plants, but can also be decorated as outdoor Christmas trees. Adorn your garden with a seasonal star and wreath.
All materials supplied.

Where Rocks Park Scout HQ, Rocks Park Rd, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 2AS.

When Saturday, 10:30am - 4:30pm on 20th November 2021 for 1 day.

This is an in-person course. In the event of restrictions being reintroduced and if the class is remaining in the venue, you will be informed of further safety measures. If the lessons cannot take place because the tutor has to isolate or in the event of government imposed restrictions or lockdowns, every effort will be made to reschedule the missed classes. If this is not possible we will refund the outstanding lessons.

Cost The full fee is £85.00.


Additional Costs

During the course

Specific Covid Considerations:

To ensure Safe Practice during practical sessions:

• Class numbers are reduced to allow students to space apart.
• Students should work at separate tables or desks.
• Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms.
• You are responsible for sanitising your own work space before and after each lesson, anti-bacterial wipes or spray will be provided by the tutor.
• Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Please respect the choices of your tutor and fellow students.
• Windows and doors left open to allow for room ventilation should not be adjusted by students.
• Sharing of equipment is discouraged, but if it is essential, please use the wipes / spray provided to clean between handling.
• Please make yourself aware of local guidance, particularly in community venues.

You must not attend the class if you show signs or symptoms of Covid-19, are awaiting results of a PCR Covid test, have been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient within 14 days or anyone who has been advised to self isolate for any reason. Please inform the ACRES' office, who will advise the tutor.


All tutors, students and visitors are encouraged to participate in rapid lateral flow testing in the interest of everybody's safety, however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Test kits are readily available locally or from https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests


For further information please see Policy & Procedures on the ACRES website.

What you already need to know

This course is suitable for absolute beginners, those interested in gardening with some basic craft skills, and for students who already have some experience.

What you will learn

You will learn the techniques of crafting with willow and you will construct a garden sculpture and accessories to take home.

How you will learn it

The tutor will demonstrate the techniques required to design and create a willow structure. You will have hands-on practice as you create your own, along with group discussion and 1:1 support and guidance.

Bring to the first session

The tutor who will bring fresh willow on the day, but if you have any bright shrub stems e.g. dogwood / Cornus alba Siberica, that you would like to use to enhance your structure, please bring along a selection of thin stems.

- A sharp pair of secateurs & a pair of pliers
- a note book and pencil & a measuring tape
- You may wish to bring seasonal accessories to add to your star and wreath

- Wear old clothing and closed footwear (no sandals)
- You may also wish to use garden gloves and eye protection

To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials or text books until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

** Please note: For all day courses students are asked to bring a packed lunch as lunch is not provided at the venue.**

Extra study or practice

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

"Tutor was very patient and demonstrated each stage clearly. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it but he showed me what to do and I am delighted with what I have made."
"I think this is the start of a new obsession for me. Thank you for a great day."
"The day went so fast, I am so pleased I came."

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

Danny teaches a range of different willow sculpture days. Visit the ACRES website to see when the next one is.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out more about Danny's artwork, projects and upcoming workshops outside of ACRES on https://www.axisweb.org/p/dannymanning/

An accredited sculpture or gardening course at Plumpton College (www.plumpton.ac.uk)
City Literary Institute in London offer a willow basketry course with a qualification. (www.citylit.ac.uk)

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

For information about further courses, please consult your tutor, the ACRES brochure, the ACRES website at www.acreslearning.org.uk or telephone our office on 01825 761820.