Hello All,

Liane from the training department asked me to share my recent experience of running sustainable wreath making classes for our Wildlife Hospital Charity in Surrey. 

Traditionally, wreaths were made with winter greens to adorn the front entrance of the house (it was a pagan ritual). Contemporary version have included almost anything and everything with the use of plastics and metal ornaments or wires to secure the greens on so-called "natural moss". Yes, it is natural but 95% of times harvested from woodlands, while disturbing the soil structure and biodiversity. 

I was a little challenged to make this project a fully sustainable one from the word go. Locally, I know that vines are pruned in October, and they are thrown away for composting in the UK. These vines are very strong for making natural crafts. Fortunately, I found a stockist with the ready-made round base frames and had to find something else to replace the natural moss. A wonderful florist from Yorkshire came to my rescue with waste hemp fibres from the hemp processing industry. I basically tied up the fibres using natural grass raffia and dampened it. 

Luckily, the grounds at the Hospital site have got extensive hedgerow, trees and shrubs that I could harvest enough greens for the classes. I did add a few reds of dogwood stems and rose hips from my garden to add the extra colour. During my September break in North Wales, I had collected a variety of pine cones to add to the festive crafts, so I was fully set up to rock up and enjoy the days. Oh yes, and I used pure jute strings to tie the greens and cones to the frame. Thus making the entire wreath fully compostable in the garden or to be disposed off in the garden bin for the local collection. 

I hope you will get inspiration from this article and enjoy your festive season. 

See below some images from the classes.