We are kicking off this year’s creative workshops with a hugely popular event - explore spring’s awakening with an introduction to Nature Journalling, guided by Sculpture Garden regular Botanical Artist and Teacher Ellie Green.

Ellie and Gallery Curator Vikki will guide you (weather permitting) through the Sculpture Garden on a gentle walk, where we'll tune into our surroundings using mindful observation techniques. We'll be looking for 'signs of spring' in the gardens and exploring simple recording techniques to gather visual information for our Nature Journals, before stepping back into the gallery-come-studio to capture nature as she awakes from her winter slumber.

Returning to the studio for tea and cake, Ellie will teach you how to set up your Nature Journal (provided) - bringing examples of her own journals to inspire you - and we'll use our remaining time to jot down notes as well as to sketch and paint some of the plants / places we discovered on our walk.

Signs of Spring - Nature Journalling

Saturday 7th March 2026

Start: 1.30pm

Finish: 5.00pm

Previous visitors to the Sculpture Garden will remember Ellie as the founder of Surrey Art School - which has now closed as she embarks on a new creative journey.

All materials will be provided, and you will receive sample paints, fine-liner and a Nature Journal to take away with you - to continue your spring journal.

The afternoon will be broken into two elements, with a break for tea, French-press coffee and scrumptious homemade cakes midway through (vegan option available, please select dietary requirements at check-out).

Please note: the Sculpture Garden is a natural woodland setting, with uneven ground in places.

Come prepared for the Great British weather! Waterproofs and walking boots or wellies with good grip are necessary, as we will be taking a guided walk through some of the grounds. Should the weather be particularly inhospitable the whole workshop will take place within the gallery, with plenty of forged material to inspire. Make sure to bring a change of shoes for inside!

Most of the workshop will take place inside The Indoor Gallery, which is located up a flight of stairs - at this time the space does not have disabled access.

BOOKINGS CLOSE - Wednesday 4th March 2026