Westacre Theatre and Watatunga Wildlife Reserve holding Christmas wreathing workshop with Wild Oak Workshops

Both Westacre Theatre and Watatunga Wildlife Reserve will be holding a Christmas wreathing workshop during the coming weeks.

Following a hugely busy season, Watlington-based Watatunga will host a workshop ahead of Christmas with Katie Haydn-Slater of Wild Oak Workshops on Monday, December 5.

Anna Hamilton of Watatunga said: “Having been on several of Wild Oak’s workshops elsewhere, we’re really excited to work with Katie who is passionate about sharing her love of nature and knowledge of plants with her participants – it’ll be lovely to incorporate some of the Watatunga foliage into people’s Christmas decorations.”

Although the animals on the reserve will be resting during their winter quiet time, this exciting and creative class will see participants weaving and entwining bundles of berried ivy and spruce all gathered from the wild places on the Reserve.

Pine cones will also be harvested and dried with a flurry of guinea fowl feathers to add to wreaths from the beautiful birds that graze there. Katie will also bring dried orange, lime and apple slices, cinnamon sticks, moss and teasels to adorn the creations.

Places can be booked at www.watatunga.co.uk

Westacre Theatre’s workshop will be on Sunday, December 11.

The theatre said: “Due to the fabulous amount of interest we have had in this workshop, our 10am session has sold out, so we have added a 1pm slot for more festive creativity!

“The fabulous Katie Haydn-Slater from Wild Oak Workshops is bringing her holiday wreath making workshop to us for a few hours of creative fun.

“A warm, festive experience in front of the cosy fire, topped off with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.”

Bookings close on December 4.

Price includes all equipment needed to create your own incredible wreath, as well as a mince pie and mulled wine.

Book at https://thelittleboxoffice.com/westacre/event/view/166063

The workshop is the cumulation of a hugely busy season at the reserve which Anna reflects on: “What a rollercoaster! We have learnt so much and tried out all sorts of new things throughout 2022, increasing our school trips, introducing trailer tours, running forest school every Wednesday and photography experiences. Our team has been phenomenal!

“A particular highlight has been seeing the uptake in use of our wheelchair accessible trailer on tour.”