The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is hosting a living willow workshop on Friday 11 March from 10am – 4pm, using willow grown on their own farms to build tunnels and domes.

Enjoy a day outdoors learning a new skill by joining The Donkey Sanctuary for a living willow workshop. This is a hands-on workshop and by the end of the day you will be ready to tackle your own project at home.

Ruth Angell, Wildlife and Conservation Coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We grow willow beds next to our muck heap so that any dirty water run off can be collected in tanks and then sprinkled over the thirsty willows, which act as a filter and clean the water. Willow grows very quickly and we harvest the plots on rotation each year. We are going to use some of the cut willow to make structures for our play area here at the Sanctuary in Sidmouth”

The workshop will be led by local professional willow weaver, Stephen Froom, who will provide tuition and guidance throughout the day. You will discover how to use living willow to create structures such as arches, tunnels and domes. The workshop costs £35 per person. You can also purchase your own kit on the day, which includes everything you need to make your own living willow structure.

Spaces for this event are limited so please contact the events team in Sidmouth on 01395 573156 to secure your place and book your kit.

The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth is open seven days a week from 9am till dusk and admission is free. It holds events and open days throughout the year and all proceeds go towards The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in the community and worldwide.