Apple Pressing and Cider Making
2026-09-12 12:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Workshops in the Woods, Wallands Primary School, Gundreda Road, Lewes, BN7 1PU, United Kingdom
Together in the woodlands we will work in groups to chop, crush and press enough apples to provide the juice for each participant to begin their own cider production. We will provide apples, machinery and refreshments but we ask that everyone aims to bring at least two bags of apples – to add to the general pot to ensure everyone gets a good amount of juice.
We will begin with Jason and Rob discussing the process of cider making and some of the options and flavours you can aim for and the management and timing requirements. Jason and Rob are cider enthusiasts but do not profess to be experts. They have pressed apples and made cider for many years and have had a lot of fun doing so. They hope to be able to guide you in your cider making journey.

The process for juicing involves;

Chopping the apples
Pulping – using a scratter
Juicing – using a press
Sieving and bottling the juice
After this sugars and yeast can be added for different results. This is the part that you will do once you take your juice home.

Included:
Apple juice, sterilising tablet, cotton bud, yeast portion and two cider tastings.
Pay what you can bar:
This workshop will be a busy and jolly event. There will be a fire to stand around and music playing and hopefully good weather – with a canopy in case of bad weather. We will have a bar providing different ciders to enjoy and a selection of home-baked apple treats among other delicious goodies. The aim is to work hard making the juice and to enjoy this with friends old and new people.
Things to source yourself
At this stage there are many options for cider making which will be discussed during the workshop. The equipment required will depend on what you decide to produce.
Once you have the juice at home you will want to transfer this to a demijohn or food grade container. Which should be sterilised. You should source the container yourself either ahead of time or after is fine and we will send you home with sterilising tablets.
You also may decide to use an airlock in your cider production. Initially a cotton bud is fine substitute for this and you will be provided with this after the workshop.
It is good to check on any WhatsApp groups or Facebook marketplace as there are many people with equipment to share.
Need to bring:
2 bags of apples. Apples can be collected from gardens, parks and the downs. All apples are good – cooking apples also add good flavour balance.
Clean containers with lids to take apple juice away in.
You will need to consider how you will carry your juice home.

Ink Making with Natural Materials & Painting
2026-10-03 13:30 - 15:30
Fi Richardson is a well-known local artist who specialises in printmaking. Fi has a passion for creating natural dyes and arts mediums using natural materials.
During this workshop you will be given the opportunity to make your own experimental and exploratory art work using home-made paints and inks made from natural materials.
On the day you will see the process of turning natural materials such as plants into mark-making materials and experiment using them yourselves in a playful art making session in nature.
The workshop will take place in the woods under the canopy of the trees. We have picnic tables with seating to sit and work together and a canopy in case of rain. There will be a large firepit and a selection home-baked goods will be available.
The aim is to make natural inks and dyes and then use the setting to find something to sketch with the newly created materials.

Pay what you can bar:
During this event we will have and area for you to help yourself to wine, G&Ts or Home-made elderflower cordial and a selection of home-baked goods as and when you like – simply mark down what you have and pay at the end.
All materials will be provided.

Kombucha, Pickling and Campfire Bread
2026-11-14 13:30 - 15:30
This workshop will take place in the outdoor setting of Wallands woods. It aims to be a relaxed social event in which you can create, taste and socialise.
We have picnic tables with seating, a fire-pit to sit and cook around, activity instructions and music.
As a group we will work through the three tasks. There will be three stations for you to move between learning and making as you go.

Jocie will guide you through the making and management of kombucha. She will provide everyone with the necessary scobi and a take-away instructional sheet. She will take you through the steps and you will leave the woods with your Kombucha in your very own jar.
There will be another table set up to create your own jar of pickles. We will have the jars, vegetables and pickling liquid for you to create your own personal pickle blend. There will be a few ready-made for tasting.
Laura (Forest School Instructor) will guide everyone through campfire bread making and cooking over the fire.
This event aims to be a relaxed social event with eating, creating and take-home goodies.
Pay what you can bar:
During this event we will have and area for you to help yourself to home-made elderflower cordial, tea and fresh brewed coffee (cow and oat milk options) and a selection of home baked goods as and when you like – simply mark down what you have and pay at the end.
Need to bring:
1-3lt bottle with wide opening (for example a Kilner-type jar)

Included:
Scobies, Kombucha ingredients, pickle jar, pickling ingredients, bonfire bread and elderflower cordial.

Wreath Making
2026-11-28 13:30 - 15:30
In the outdoor setting of Wallands Woods against the backdrop of a roaring fire, come and make a natural Christmas Wreath with Jill and Jess.

Back by popular demand, Jill and Jess take you through the process of making a beautiful wreath for your front door. This is the third year of Jill and Jess running wreath making workshops at Wallands.
Pay what you can bar:
We will have warm mulled wine, delicious things to eat and music playing.
This is a cosy, social event and prefect for getting in to the festive spirit.
All materials will be provided.
Good to bring
Gardening gloves
Secateurs
