Inspiring young minds: Nature and history themed creativity at Stanwick Lakes

With children embarking on the first week of the summer holidays, parents are busy wondering what local activities will keep children entertained. Inspired by the nature, history and heritage of Stanwick Lakes, a series of artist-led, family-friendly workshops have been launched and are available to book throughout the summer. 

Using dried flowers, natural stone and resin, a jewellery making workshop will teach children and their parents how to design a unique item of jewellery. The nature-inspired activity is a welcome opportunity for parents and children aged 10+ to enjoy together and will take place on the 14th of August.

Artist Lizzie Ault, a popular tutor at Stanwick Lakes, will be returning to teach children the basics of lino printing and foil embossing on the 28th of August.  Lizzie Ault is a regular tutor at Stanwick Lakes with a unique style of printing inspired by wildlife, folklore and history. Her summer courses are designed to inspire little students to reflect on the magic seen in the ordinary; geese flying over the lake or butterflies dipping in and over brambles. The Fabric Printing workshop led by Lizzie on the 28th inspired by nature, will teach children the skills needed to create and design their own tote bag using ready-cut stamps and lino blocks. 

Anglian Folklore will be inspiration for the later foil embossing workshop, where families and children will make a memorable set of hanging decorations or a garland using the ancient art. The specialised printing process, with hot foil stamping applied to a metallic foil, is used to enhance products by creating a striking 3D effect, an art that can be dated at least as far back as antiquity.

The calendar of summer workshops at Stanwick Lakes has been curated to embrace the site’s history, heritage, and natural environment, giving parents an opportunity to spend time with their children as they explore a new craft to create an object that also reflects the nature that surrounds them. Pond-dipping, adventure play are also popular activities available at Stanwick Lakes to engage children during the summer months. All materials are included in the workshops, and income raised through the delivery of workshops at Stanwick Lakes directly contributes to site maintenance, supports heritage projects and ensures the continuation of their critical environmental work.

For further information about summer workshops at Stanwick Lakes, please visit their website: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk