Monday 16th February
10am - 12pm
Best for ages 5+
Tickets include a snack and apple juice from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

Join us for a hands-on workshop where young makers step into the world of ancient craftsmanship.

Using natural materials -hazel for the handle, slate for the blade, and sisal for binding- children will shape their own “stone axe” from start to finish. They’ll learn how to grind and form their slate blade, fit and secure it to a hazel shaft, and understand the strengths and stories behind each material.

Along the way, we’ll explore the history of early tools and how axes evolved through the ages. Set against the fantastic backdrop of the Hawarden Estate, this workshop blends creativity, skill-building, and a touch of prehistory in a memorable outdoor experience.

Children will leave with the stone axe they have crafted.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Monday 16th February
1pm - 3pm
Best for ages 5+
Tickets include a snack and apple juice from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

Step into the world of traditional woodland craft with this child-friendly Hazel Bow Making workshop.

Young archers will learn how to select the best hazel, then bend (or 'tiller'), shape, and refine it while paying close attention to the natural qualities that make a bow strong and flexible. Children will practise a couple of simple, reliable knots and string their handmade bows with sisal, preparing them for the final flourish: a fun round of target shooting to test their creations.

It’s a lively mix of hands-on making, outdoor learning, and gentle adventure amid the beautiful surroundings of Hawarden Estate.

Children will leave with the hazel bow they have crafted.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Tuesday 17th February
9:45am - 12:30pm
Best for ages 8-12 years!
Tickets include a snack, hot chocolate and marshmallows from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

Make your own bird feeder for the garden, helping the garden birds stay full of energy for the winter months.

Children will use a variety of skills, using tools such as saws and screwdrivers. Rooted in Forest School principles, the workshop encourages child-led exploration, practical skill-building, and a deeper connection with local wildlife.

Once you’ve created your bird feeder, we’ll gather around the campfire for a well-deserved hot chocolate and marshmallow!

Alongside you, your child will:

• Learn safe use of simple hand tools (saw, hammer, sandpaper).

• Understand the needs of local birds and how feeders support wildlife.

• Explore creativity using natural materials.

• Build resilience through hands-on, risk-managed challenges.

• Strengthen teamwork, communication, and independence.

• Foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

• Have fun!

Children will come away with a bird feeder and the plans to make more in the future.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Tuesday 7th April
9:45am - 12:30pm
Best for ages 8-12 years!
Tickets include a snack, hot chocolate and marshmallows from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

We’ll start with a birdwatching activity in the Walled Garden, using our binoculars to spot birds in the area. Then, measure, cut, construct, and decorate your birdhouse, learning about bird habitats and how to support garden wildlife.

Alongside the main activity, we’ll enjoy time around the fire with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows, relaxing after a busy morning!

Alongside you, your child will:

• Gain confidence using hand tools (saws, hammers, sandpaper).

• Learn about the nesting needs of local birds and how birdhouses support wildlife.

• Express creativity through natural materials and decoration.

• Build resilience and independence through risk-managed, hands-on tasks.

• Strengthen collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Foster a deeper connection to nature and environmental care.

• Have fun!

Children will come away with a bird house and the plans to make more in the future.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Tuesday 28th July
9:45am - 12:30pm
Best for ages 8-12 years!
Tickets include a snack, hot chocolate and marshmallows from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

We’ll start with a bug hunt in the Walled Garden, discovering bugs and learning what we might find in our local ecosystem. Then, you’ll build your own bug house using natural, foraged, and recycled materials.

Saw, sand, and assemble your bug house, fill it with nature-found materials, and learn about the importance of insects in local ecosystems. We’ll then gather around the campfire to finish up our workshop with hot chocolate in the Walled Garden.

Alongside you, your child will:

• Understand why insects are essential for garden health and biodiversity.

• Learn how to create safe habitats for different types of bugs.

• Build creativity through natural design and material use.

• Strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and independence.

• Deepen our connection to the natural world and learn to appreciate smaller wildlife.

• Have fun!

Children will come away with a bug hotel and the plans to make more in the future.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Tuesday 27th October
9:45am - 12:30pm
Best for ages 8-12 years!
Tickets include a snack, hot chocolate and marshmallows from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

We’ll collaboratively build bat boxes to place in the walled garden, and to take home, learning about bat habitats and raising environmental awareness.

Refine your woodworking skills, use tools, and enjoy working together to build these homes before gathering around the campfire for a hot chocolate.

During the workshop, we will:

• Develop confidence using hand tools (saw, hammer, sandpaper).

• Learn about the needs and behaviours of local bat species.

• Understand how bat boxes support declining bat populations.

• Build resilience, independence, and problem-solving through risk-managed activities.

• Get creative with natural materials and gentle decoration.

• Strengthen teamwork, communication, and awareness of wildlife conservation.

Children will come away with a bat house and the plans to make more in the future.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.

Monday 21st December
9:45am - 12:30pm
Best for ages 8-12 years!
Tickets include a snack, hot chocolate and marshmallows from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

Get into the Christmas Spirit by building your own Reindeer Log decoration.

We will saw, drill, and assemble our reindeer using logs, branches, and foraged items, finishing with natural decoration. Once finished, we’ll gather round the campfire for a festive hot chocolate and marshmallow, finishing off with a Christmas singalong.

Alongside you, your child will:

• Build confidence using basic hand tools (saws, mallets, hammers, drills).

• Learn how to safely work with logs and natural materials.

• Explore creativity through design, decoration, and natural crafting.

• Develop problem-solving and fine motor skills through construction tasks.

• Build on teamwork, reflection, and outdoor play.

• Have fun!

Children will come away with a reindeer log and the plans to make more in the future.

Please note: A responsible adult must remain with the child throughout.