Make:Wild is a free to access, six-month exploration of the connection between nature, creativity and wellbeing.
Through walks, art workshops and online sessions, participants are guided to play, experiment and take inspiration from the natural world, free from productivity or optimisation.
Honouring nature as a third space, we'll gather, build community and exchange ideas about untamed making and the art of slowing down to notice.
The programme is open and flexible, though we encourage repeating and combining sessions for a richer, more immersive experience.
It culminates in a collaborative exhibition and public programme, where participants and contributors are invited to share experiments, creations and discoveries.
This is an evolving programme, with new walks and workshops released on a rolling basis - sign up to stay notified!
NATURE WALKS
Our walks are a gentle invitation to slow down and spend time noticing. We move at an easy pace, for around an hour of walking, taking part in a few simple mindfulness and creative activities along the way. Nothing strenuous, just space to tune in, breathe, and connect with the environment around us.
The walks are designed to be relaxed and accessible, with no prior experience needed. You don’t need to think of yourself as creative. The focus is on wellbeing, curiosity, and creative exploration.
Each walk acts as a starting point for our in-studio workshops, where we develop ideas from the experience and spend time making. There’s no obligation to do both parts, but we recommend it. You can book onto multiple walks and workshops.
You can book onto the related workshops here.
See below to book onto one of our walks.
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Snuff Mills
One of Bristol’s beautiful local walks, Snuff Mills is a calm stretch of woodland and riverside paths along the River Frome. Tucked between Eastville and Stapleton, this route provides a quiet escape from the city.
Leigh Woods
One of Bristol’s largest woodland walks, Leigh Woods is a broad stretch of ancient woodland running alongside the Avon Gorge. Just beyond Clifton, this route offers a sense of space and calm, with winding paths and a deep feeling of being immersed in nature.
WORKSHOPS
Based at UNIT8 Studios our workshops offer a calm space to respond creatively to the walks. We spend time making in a relaxed studio setting, using simple materials and gentle prompts to explore ideas that emerged outdoors. There’s no pressure to produce a finished outcome, just time to experiment and follow your curiosity.
The workshops are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with no prior experience needed. You don’t need to think of yourself as an artist or maker. The focus is on wellbeing, reflection, and creative exploration rather than technique or results.
Guided by artists and UNIT8 Studios & 3RD Space Creative CIC co-founders Femi Idowu-Read and Rosie Wells, the workshop creates a welcoming environment for all skill levels. All materials are provided.
Workshops can be attended on their own or alongside the walks. While the walks often feed into the making, each session stands on its own and you’re welcome to book onto multiple workshops and walks.
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Drawing From Nature
A mindful, dry-materials drawing workshop.
Join us for a relaxed, nature-led drawing workshop focused on play, observation, and making without pressure. Using dry-based materials, we’ll take inspiration from natural forms to explore mark-making, still life, texture, and colour, letting curiosity lead rather than outcomes.
Printing With Nature
A playful monotype workshop
Join us for an experimental printmaking workshop exploring monotypes inspired by natural materials and processes. Using organic forms, textures, and found elements, we’ll play with layering, pressure, repetition, and chance to embrace the unpredictability that makes printmaking so alive. This session centres playful experimentation and process over perfection.
Online Workshops
TBA
Make:Wild is made possible with support from the National Lottery Community Fund and UNIT8 Studios.
