Willow Weaving Workshops with Julie Livesey of Pip Cottage

The Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail has recently focused on the maintenance and future care of the willow shelter. In spring, the structure received heavy pruning to encourage strong new growth and prepare it for further weaving later in the year. This seasonal work will help keep the shelter healthy, safe and looking its best as part of the trail.

The new willow growth will be ready to work with in November, when willow weaver Julie Livesey will be invited to help weave the fresh material back into the shelter. This will support the ongoing maintenance of the piece while also preserving the traditional skills involved in caring for living willow structures.

Alongside this maintenance work, Julie is holding free willow weaving sessions during the summer. These sessions will give local people the opportunity to learn the basic skills of willow weaving in a friendly, hands-on setting. Participants who enjoy the activity may be invited to return later in the year to support the team with weaving the new growth into the willow shelter.

Family Friendly Willow Weaving Sessions: 10am - 1pm

Prebook a 20-minute slot to create a small willow star, a crown or a fish on a rod under the guidance of a talented local artist.

For Ribble Valley families with children age 6 upwards and at least one parent/guardian to supervise the children during the activity, maximum 4 children per family.

Willow Sculpture Session: 2pm – 4pm

Weave your own bird on a nest sculpture under the guidance of talented local willow artist Julie.

10 bookable slots, 2 hr sculpture session

For adults and children aged 10 - 16 (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

The sessions are FREE but prebooking is essential.

For more information and to book your place contact the Platform Gallery at platform.gallery@ribblevalley.gov.uk or 01200 425566

Please Note: There are no toilets available on the park. You must live, work or study in Ribble Valley to attend. The session is outdoors please be prepared and bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work such as sun hat and suncream if sunny and warm and waterproof clothing and footwear for cool, rainy weather. There will be an alternative venue planned for adverse weather. Please tell us about any health, access or support needs that may affect your participation. This information will be treated confidentially and used only to help us plan safely and make reasonable adjustments where possible.