Exploring Nutclough Woods
I facilitated a Nature Notebooking workshop in Nutclough Woods from the IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge as part of their Open Studios weekend.
We explored Nutclough Woods, a magical spot on the hostel’s doorstep, and “got to know” the plants - noting observations and sketching in-field. Then we headed back to the tables to look in reference books and paint with watercolours.
I loved seeing everyone’s creations, and their wonder whilst looking closely through a hand lens! Some big ‘wows’!! They really open up our eyes to Nature’s miniature kingdoms!
IOU Hostel, Hebden Bridge, July 2026
Explaining to the group
My Nature Notebooks
Lee looking closely at moss!
Jamie and his Enchanter's Nightshade study
Looking closely!
Exploring Calderdale’s Ancient Grasslands
I also facilitated a Nature Notebooking workshop in collaboration with local ecologist and fungi expert Steve Hindle from IOU Hostel. This time we explored the Ancient Grasslands at High Hurst Wood Meadow as part of the Creative Practices day of their symposium “A Curious Tapestry: Crafting New Cultural Ecologies”.
High Hurst is a fantastic project where volunteers are using traditional land management techniques to restore the habitat, including using a scythe and the “Peachy Press” to cut the grass and make hay.
We learnt more about the significance of these grasslands, the importance of their restoration, looked closely at the plant community, and painted them in our notebooks - great fun!
IOU Hostel, Hebden Bridge, July 2026
Nature Notebooking - adding watercolours!
Looking closely!
The group in action
Some of my resources