Charcoal making and oak gall ink

Making Natural Woodland Art Materials

This one-day workshop was held outdoors in the woods sitting around a fire. We made charcoal from the wood taken from the woodland around us, chopping it and heating it in tins in the open fire.

We also gathered acorn caps and boiled these on the fire to make ink, participants learned how to add mordants to create a range of colours. We used these inks and charcoal to make images of the woods.

Holding practical events outside require a high level of organisation and risk assessment. I am qualified and experienced in assessing for physical, psychological and ecological risk and hold a two day outdoor first aid certificate.