Wellbeing Workshop - Pottery Inspired by Hedgerows

1 min read

About the course

This immersive one-day course invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and explore your creativity through clay. Inspired by the resilience and beauty of wild hedgerows—both plant and animal life—the course blends mindful observation with hands-on making. Ideal for learners of all levels, this day is about playful experimentation and personal expression through nature-inspired ceramics.

Course content

The day begins with a gentle outdoor walk (weather permitting) around Stratford Park, where you’ll gather inspiration from the textures, shapes, and forms of hedgerow plants and wildlife. These observations will inform a series of drawing and paper modelling exercises designed to spark creativity. In the afternoon, you'll explore surface decoration using coloured slips and oxides, and shape your ideas into clay pieces. Final works will be dried and fired once without glazing, encouraging thoughtful and sustainable making practices.

Themes of resilience—both in nature and daily life—will be gently explored through your creative process. All materials are provided.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

The course takes place in person in a supportive, relaxed studio environment. There is no formal assessment. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, personal reflection, and developing your own creative response with guidance from the tutor.

What do I need to join

There are no specific entry requirements, but you must be aged 19 or over at the start of the academic year. Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in the park. If you have any mobility issues or concerns about accessibility, please contact us at [email protected].

Additional information

Course Fee and Funding Information

Full Fee Waiver Eligibility

You may be eligible for a full fee waiver if your household income falls below the following thresholds:

England: Below £20,319 (ESFA guidelines)
Bristol Area: Below £23,400 (WECA guidelines)

You may also qualify if you receive any of the following benefits:

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit income cap:

Single claimant: £617 per month
Joint claimants: £988 per month

Co-Funding – Pay Only £40

You may qualify for co-funding and only pay £40.00 if your household income is below £27,000 and you meet any of the following criteria:

Receiving Carer’s Allowance
Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Receiving State Pension
Receiving Attendance Allowance
Providing evidence of a food bank voucher
Receiving Universal Credit with income under:
- Single claimant: £817 per month
- Joint claimants: £1,188 per month