Public invited to try woodcarving at University of Gloucestershire

Members of the public are being invited to join University staff and students in trying their hand at woodcarving, at a special workshop taking place in the grounds of University of Gloucestershire’s Park Campus in Cheltenham.

Taking place on Wednesday 7 October, the hands-on workshop will give participants the opportunity to work with a variety of wood – including ash, lime, red ceder, Hornbeam and cherry – learning how to remove the bark and begin shaping their own simple carved design. All tools and materials will be provided, including wood for participants to carve and take home.

The workshop will be led by expert woodcarver and Artist in Residence Natasha Houseago.

Natasha said: “Woodcarving is a wonderfully hands-on and accessible way to be creative, and you don’t need any previous experience to have a go. I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to the beautiful grounds at Park Campus, sharing some of the techniques I use in my own work and helping everyone create something they can take home with them.”

Natasha became the University’s first ever Artist in Residence at Park Campus in April 2026. Her residency forms part of a wider programme of activity at the University’s Creative Campus, aimed at creating new opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to engage with art and creative practice.

The Creative Campus brings together the University’s creative courses and facilities at Park Campus, providing opportunities for greater collaboration across different disciplines and strengthening its role as a centre for creativity in Cheltenham.

The programme also includes a new Sculpture Park, launched in May 2026 with the installation of Tommy, a major work by internationally renowned sculptor and Turner Prize winner Sir Tony Cragg CBE. The Sculpture Park will continue to develop as further works are introduced across the grounds, creating an evolving collection for students, staff and visitors to enjoy.

There will be two woodcarving sessions on Wednesday 7 October: a morning session from 10am to 12.30pm and an afternoon session from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Places cost £45 per person, with a maximum of 10 participants in each session.

For more information and to book, visit wtscollective.co.uk or email [email protected].