Connecting people in nature

This is more than craft, this is a return to something real


Creative Nature is a not for profit creative organisation based in southeast London
connecting people with nature and ancient woodland crafts. 

We work from two sites - our woodland workshop space at The Clearing in Lesnes Abbey Woods,
and our studio space, Creative Nature HQ, at Thames-Side Studios in Woolwich. 

We run hands-on workshops and courses celebrating ancient rural crafts — from whittling and willow weaving to natural dyeing and traditional woodland skills. 

Through this connection to natural materials and simple repetitive actions we deepen a sense of wellbeing and develop skills and knowledge collectively. 

There are countless ways to get involved, including attending our workshops, courses and events,
becoming a member or volunteering.

Saturday 6th December
10am - 4pm
Venue: The Clearing, Belvedere, SE2 0AX

Book here

Forest Club Volunteering Day

Be part of something special and join us for a volunteering day in the woods.
Come anytime between 10am to 2pm.

Lend a hand with meaningful tasks like preparing for upcoming events, helping with woodland fixes, and supporting our craft workshops. It’s a great way to connect with nature, learn new skills, and be part of a creative community – all while making a real difference in a beautiful setting.

** No Forest Club Thurs 4th Dec -
back Thurs 11th Dec **

Every Thursday
Venue: The Clearing, Belvedere, SE2 0AX

Bowl Carving

Turn a log of locally sourced wood into a hand carved bowl in a day!

You will be introduced to the hand tools that make this process possible, including an axe and carving gouges. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm and stamina!

Willow Winter Wreath, Garland
& Crown Making

Brighten your room and heart in the dark winter months with beautiful wreathes, garlands and crowns made from locally sourced materials. Enliven your senses and spaces with fragrant, natural flora you have foraged to add to your creations.

Join us for this bracing and creative activity in our woodland workshop, beneath our canopy and beside a roaring fire.

Community Shop & Guided Meditation

Explore our riverside venue from 10am to 5pm, where you can browse unique handcrafted pieces, enjoy a quiet moment over tea and get a feel for the creativity we celebrate.

As the day winds down, join us for a calming guided meditation — the perfect way to end your visit with intention and peace. 6pm to 7:30pm.

Every Friday
Venue: Creative Nature HQ,

Thames-Side Studios
SE18 5NR

Sunday 7th December
10am - 12.30pm / 1pm - 3.30pm
Venue: The Clearing, Belvedere, SE2 0AX

Book here

Book a workshop

Come to The Clearing to reconnect with traditional practices like willow weaving, spoon carving, bowl carving and more.

Workshops

Sign up for a membership

Unlimited access to workshops, courses, events and more. Click here to see the membership options and full benefits.

Take A Look

Shop

Visit the shop to buy tools, handmade crafts and memberships to take part in workshops at The Clearing and at Creative Nature HQ. We also sell gift vouchers which make great presents for friends and family.

Shop
Testimonials
Peter
Peter

“I found the whole experience so informative and relaxing. Being totally engrossed in the whole process. Stephen's knowledge was endless and entertaining. We worked together and produced a wonderful piece. Since then I have made another two animals and several other pieces. At the grand age of 78 I have found a great pastime. This is a course for all ages. Thanks”

Melissa
Melissa

“The experience was great and it was nice to take a day out of London to be surrounded by nature. We all chose a big piece of green wood and had the opportunity to create whatever we wanted using all of the tools available…”

Stuart K
Stuart K

“I was gifted a voucher for the sculptural green wood carving for my 40th birthday, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. As a hobbyist woodworker, I'm normally striving for straightness, squareness and precision…”

Steve G
Steve G

“I attended one of Stephen's spoon carving courses under a parachute canopy in the woods last Saturday. Having done some spoon carving at home, the session was for me an opportunity to pick up some hints and thoughts while enjoying the experience of working in the open air with like minded people.”

Tracy
Tracy

“Fantastic afternoon spent making a wooden spoon. Stephen was very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable about the craft. He encourages your own artistic style to develop and guides without imposing his view…”

Ian
Ian

“Far and away the most enjoyable course I've ever taken! Right from the beginning, Stephen is warm, welcoming, funny and friendly. He distils decades of artistry into a few hours, introducing you to a wealth of tools, techniques and types of wood and above all making it incredibly interesting and engaging. Thoroughly recommended!“

Creative Nature HQ

Creative Nature HQ
Thames-Side Studios
Unit TW-008
Harrington Way
London SE18 5NR
UK

Free Parking
Cash and Card accepted

 
 

Our Woodland Workshop

The Clearing

Belvedere

SE2 0AX

 
 
3% Cover the Fee