Led by local willow artist, Jo Sadler, this fun and creative one-day workshop will guide you through the steps for sculpting a bouncing, leaping 3ft willow hare. Held in Symondsbury Estate’s beautiful 14th-century Tithe Barn, you’ll learn the fundamental techniques of willow weaving using sustainably sourced Somerset willow.
Ideal for complete beginners or those with previous experience, Jo’s expert tuition and encouraging teaching style will ensure you leave with new skills, a sense of achievement and your own dynamic handmade sculpture - a striking addition to any home or garden.
What makes this workshop especially magical is the setting and the season. March is synonymous with swift, powerful hares, so why not arrive a little earlier for a wander through our fields. You may just glimpse a hare racing across the landscape - a fleeting moment of natural inspiration before a day spent creating in the heart of West Dorset’s rolling hills.
The experience also includes a delicious two-course lunch at Symondsbury Kitchen, prepared with produce from the Estate’s kitchen garden and carefully sourced local ingredients.
With a growing appreciation for traditional crafts and sustainable, nature-inspired creativity, this workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the natural world in truly special surroundings. We recommend wearing old and comfortable clothing as this course is very hands-on.
Date: Monday 16th March 2026, Monday 12th October 2026
Time: 9.30am - 5pm
Location: Tithe Barn, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Please Note:
This course is not suitable for under 16's. Maximum 12 people per course.
Willow Bark can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to aspirin. Willow bark can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, beta-blockers and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Event Details
Date: Monday 16th March 2026, Monday 12th October 2026
Time: 9.30am - 5pm
Location: Tithe Barn, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG
Please Note:
This course is not suitable for under 16's. Maximum 12 people per course.
Willow Bark can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to aspirin. Willow bark can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, beta-blockers and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Program For The Day
9.30am – Arrival with tea or coffee
9.45am – Course starts
1.00pm – Two-Course lunch
2.00pm – Resume for the afternoon
4.30pm - 5.00pm – Course finishes
About Jo Sadler
Combining her passion for plants and wildlife with her craftsmanship, Jo Sadler is a talented willow artist who is renowned for creating life-sized animal sculptures from natural forms. Starting her journey with willow as a gardener, Jo now teaches her craft across the South-West.
"I’ve known Symondsbury Estate for years. I used to visit with my godparents when I was a child, and it’s wonderful to see it develop over time. It’s such an inviting place that makes me feel calm and relaxed. And, there’s free parking and a lovely café! So, it feels like the perfect place to do my willow workshops as you’re in nature and it’s a stress-free environment. We do the workshops in Symondsbury’s historic Tithe Barn which couldn’t be a more perfect venue – it’s such an inspiring place to spend time. I can’t wait to get started!" Jo Sadler.
Terms & Conditions
Please note tickets for all events and workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Maximum 12 people per course.
Sometimes, things happen that we just can’t control and may lead to the postponement of an experience at short notice. In the unlikely event that this occurs, you can choose to be refunded or booked onto another course if available.
