Nestled within the land at The Orchard at Wood End, our barn is a place of gathering, making and gentle retreat. Surrounded by trees, birdsong and the steady rhythms of the seasons, it offers space to slow down, to learn, and to spend time creatively in good company

These felting workshops are an invitation to step out of the busy pace of everyday life and into something slower and more attentive. They offer time to retreat — to make something with your own hands, to settle into a steady rhythm, and to share a day with like-minded people in a beautiful, nourishing setting.

We gather around a big old table in our barn, a space that naturally encourages ease and connection. On warm days the doors are opened wide and the view stretches out across the land; the sound of birds and trees moving in the breeze becoming part of the experience. It’s a setting that gently supports you to arrive fully and take your time.

Felting itself has a quiet, absorbing quality. The repeated motion of working the wool, watching form and character slowly emerge, draws the focus inward. Many people tell me how calming they find it — how their thoughts settle as their hands stay engaged. It’s especially rewarding to hear from first-time felters how rare and restorative this kind of focused making can feel.

Throughout the session, you’ll be supported with clear, step-by-step demonstrations and plenty of guidance. Whether you’re completely new to felting or looking to build on existing skills, you’ll gain practical techniques, confidence with materials and tools, and a solid foundation to continue your own felting journey at home. One of my favourite parts of the day is seeing how, from the same demonstrations, each person’s work becomes entirely their own.

Just as important as the making is the sense of community that forms around the table. Every group brings its own energy — quiet concentration, shared laughter, thoughtful conversation. There’s a warmth and inclusivity that grows naturally when people are given permission to be creative together. We always seem to leave having made more than felted pieces alone.

Partway through the day we pause to share homemade cordials, cakes and seasonal treats made from our own produce — a moment to rest, talk, and simply enjoy being together.

These workshops are about learning a craft, but they are also about time, attention and connection — with materials, with place, and with one another.