We Forest Folk Festival

We Forest Folk Festival was a children's re-imagining of folk crafts, finding magic in urban green places. It improved families' social & emotional well-being through nature & creativity. Children played and experimented with natural materials alongside a diverse team of traditional craftspeople.

The festival took place at Cotteridge Park and Warley Woods in Autumn 2022. Families created and experimented together with natural materials on their doorstep, supported by a creative team of traditional craftspeople including wood carvers, wild clay makers, weavers and botanical artists. It provided new experiences for children of all ages, with the exploration of materials and creative expression at every level, from open-ended play for early years, and risk-taking tools work with children to in-depth craft skills workshops with older teens.

The programme combined creative activity with Forest School principles, proven to foster resilient, confident, independent and creative children. Artists and children will co-create an interactive nature sketchbook distributed through community partners.

Developed in partnership with Wild Lives Forest School and supported by Arts Council England.