On Saturday 23rd May, we gathered with friends old and new for a slow walk through Ox Close Woods alongside Nana Frank and Hiked Up, exploring the colours hidden within the landscape and learning more about the natural world around us.

After meeting at the location, we set off together towards Ox Close Woods on land cared for by the East Keswick Wildlife Trust. Settling into the woodland setting set the tone for a slower, more considered day, closely connected with the natural environment around us.

In the woods, Nana Frank led a natural dyeing workshop, sharing her approach rooted in a close connection to nature and traditional practices. Using natural pigments from acorns and simple techniques, the session encouraged experimentation and a more mindful way of working with the materials.

Each participant prepared an ELLIKER t-shirt before exploring different ways of creating patterns with folds, ties or just dipping to create organic patterns. As the colours developed, each piece took on it’s own character, shaped by both process and environment.

As the afternoon went on, the woodland became an open studio with garments drying among the trees and the results being gradually revealed. The day highlighted the value of slowing down, learning through making and reconnecting with natural processes in a shared setting.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, as well as Nana Frank, Hiked Up and the East Keswick Wildlife Trust for helping make the day possible. All proceeds from the event went directly towards supporting the Trust and their ongoing conservation work.