News Discover the Art of the Seasons in Mote Park
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is celebrating its Green Flag Award-Winning Mote Park through a series of Creative Walks and Workshops, to encourage everyone to appreciate the open space during the changing seasons.
The Council is highlighting the beauty of the much-loved park by offering a different way to explore and engage creatively, through three seasonal events. Each session will include a guided walk, followed by a tutored workshop in the Learning Space.
‘Sketch into Spring’ will be a great opportunity for people to learn about the park, while collecting foraged items that they’ll use to create a unique piece of artwork. Led by local artist and author, Cas Holmes, and Becca Spain, experienced forager and ‘wild crafter’, on Wednesday 30 April, ‘Sketch into Spring’ is a chance to have a go at foraging and create a fabulous piece of work, with inspiration drawn straight from the park.
In the summer, Zabby Allen will be holding a ‘Nature Journaling Walk & Workshop’ on Saturday 19 July, sharing fascinating nature facts in the open air. Groups will pick up journalling prompts while on the walk, before learning how to create their own unique nature journals in the Learning Space to take home and treasure.
As the seasons shift again, enjoy the ‘Harvest & Hues of Autumn’ on Sunday 12 October, when Becca Spain will be back to share the secrets of sustainable harvesting and folklore. In this session, Becca will be accompanied by experienced eco-dyer and textile artist, Sheilagh Dyson, who will offer tips on the best plants to use for eco-dyeing. The following workshop will provide insights about using eco-colour from different plant materials and the chance to create a ‘Solar jar’ for use at home.
Commenting on the upcoming events in the park, Angela Woodhouse, Director of Strategy, Insight & Governance, said:
Mote Park is a real jewel in the crown of the borough of Maidstone, and the Council is delighted to showcase this wonderful community asset throughout 2025.It is wonderful to see how the park changes with the seasons, and these events will be an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to come and appreciate our park, while learning new skills and developing their own creative flairs.
All three Creative Walk and Workshop events are designed to encourage wider access and exploration of Mote Park’s natural habitats, and inspire creativity. Booking for these events is essential as spaces are limited.
Further details and booking instructions can be found at www.whatsonmaidstone.com
Sign up to Maidstone Borough Council e-newsletters ‘Stay Connected’ to receive vital news and updates via email for the many services and events provided by the Council https://maidstone.gov.uk/StayConnected