Nettle Cordage Workshop
July 17 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
£17.00 – £22.00
Nettles are amazing plants; no only do they provide us with the materials to make stinging nettle cordage, they’re also edible, full of nutrients and have medicinal properties.
Did you know that nettles have been made to make everything from binding, necklaces cords, bracelets, hafting tools, nets, small baskets etc for more than 3000 years? Nettles are of great interest at present since they one of most sustainable local fibres you can imagine.
During this evening walk and talk we will gather stinging nettles (Fun fact: Nettles won’t sting after being harvested) and discover their history. You will see how to extract nettle fibre, and (using some we prepared earlier) learn a simple way to work it by hand so it can be used for weaving, knitting or crochet.
We will also spend a bit of time looking at other cordage materials, some more obvious than others.
Cordage is essential when you are spending any amount of time in the outdoors; learning how to make your own cordage is therefore an important bushcraft skill.
Knowledge required:
Perfect for beginners!
Group size
12 maximum.
Minimum age:
Other information:
This event takes place in a stunningly tranquil, but basic, woodland venue. Our handcrafted Roundhouse offers shelter from the elements with rustic furniture around a crackling wood fire, whilst nearby you’ll find a compost loo and rainwater sink. Hot beverages will be provided on this otherwise non-catered evening, but please bring your own drinking water. As there is no running water or electricity at the arboretum this is a back to basics, almost off grid experience.
Tortworth Forest Centre is a Community Interest Company, working with limited resources. Sometimes we may have to cancel or postpone courses if they are less than 50% subscribed. We try our hardest to keep courses running wherever possible. You can help us by spreading the word to friends, family and colleagues. If an event is cancelled a full refund will be offered.
Planning your visit:
- Due to the natural pathways the site is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues
- With this in mind most pathways can be slippery and muddy at times. Please wear appropriate footwear
- Summer is tick season, we recommend long layers
- Please find detailed information about how to find us, and more information to help you plan your visits here
Become a Friend of Tortworth
Support our ongoing conservation and community work with an annual pass. Friends of Tortworth can attend unlimited Visitor Days for a year whilst supporting our fundraising efforts. Every year we need to raise £100,000 to plant trees, train volunteers, pay staff, maintain tools and our minibus so that people without car access can attend our wellbeing groups. Attending events or becoming an annual pass holder helps support the ongoing conservation work at Tortworth. That means you’re investing in the wellbeing of others whilst doing something for you! We’ll call that a win win! Find out more here
Want to be the first to hear about ticket releases and new events? Click here to sign up to our mailing list.