Immerse yourself in nature and discover our ancestors’ most versatile little plant, used in clothing, cooking, and healing. Under the expert tutelage of herbalist and textile worker Cathy Guilder, you’ll spend a day harvesting wild nettles and learning to extract and spin their fibres into thread or cord.
About the workshop
One-day workshop, 10am - 3pm with a break for lunch
Discover the history, folklore, and uses of a plant commonly dismissed as a weed
Forage for wild-growing nettles around Butser, extract their fibres, and learn how to turn them into string
Learn to use a drop spindle to spin thread, and see how spinning plant fibre is different from sheep fleece
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
Catherine Guilder has degrees in History and Heritage. She is an expert on a wide range of historical topics including religious observance during the Reformation and Tudor women’s social and domestic history. She has been an historical interpreter and writer for several years with published work on the crew of the Mary Rose. She has also appeared in historical television programmes and documentaries with a special interest in educational podcasts for primary schools as part of the ‘Cook It’ project for History and food.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, a full day’s tuition and expertise, and all the materials and tools necessary to craft your own piece of spun nettle thread.
workshop info
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included, although sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you prefer!
This workshop is intended for adults, but suitable for ages 16+. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults do not need workshop tickets themselves but are required to pay the site entrance fee.