Pollinating London Together Christmas Felting Workshop
At the end of November, the historic Holy Sepulchre Church in London hosted Pollinating London Together (PLT) to run a festive felting workshop.
A Celebration of Craft and Conservation
The workshop brought together our members keen to learn more about the vital role of pollinators—bees, butterflies and other insects—in supporting our biodiversity in the natural world. This creative session was the perfect blend of art, nature and sustainability, inviting participants to connect with the environment in a hands-on, enjoyable way.
Set in the welcoming surroundings of Holy Sepulchre Church, a place known for its community focus, the workshop attracted crafters of all ages and skills. Whether a seasoned felt maker or absolute beginner, everyone was invited to join in the festive fun, all while discovering more about pollinators and their importance in our gardens, food production and everyday lives.
Felting: Crafting Pollinator Decorations
Under the guidance of expert felting instructors from Felt Wildy, we learned the art of needle felting, turning soft wool into beautiful, bespoke Christmas decorations in the shape and colour of the PLT Butterfly.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Festivities
Sustainability was at the heart of this event. All the materials used in the workshop were natural and sustainable and each participant left with their own handmade decoration—an environmentally friendly addition to their holiday décor.
These festive creations served as a reminder of the important role pollinators play and the need to protect these creatures, especially as the pressures of urbanisation continue to threaten their habitats.
With the holiday season often characterised by excess, the workshop provided a refreshing opportunity to focus on creating something meaningful, rather than purchasing mass-produced unstainable decorations. It was a chance to embrace the joys of handmade, personal gifts and festive decorations and to think more carefully about how we can all make small, positive changes for the planet.
Reconnecting with Nature in the City
The event wasn’t just about felting—it was about connecting with likeminded individuals and promoting pollinators, even in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities. London, like many urban areas, can sometimes make it hard to appreciate the smaller, quieter aspects of the natural world, like the essential work of pollinators.
The Holy Sepulchre Church offered the perfect setting for this event—a peaceful, tranquil space that allowed participants to unwind and focus on their craft. Rev. Nick Mottershead welcomed us and shared insightful information on the green spaces of the Holy Sepulchre and his plans to make them more pollinator friendly.
During the felting there was plenty of time to chat over mulled wine and mince pies, while exchanging ideas on how we can all support pollinators in our own gardens and local areas.
A Heartwarming Success
The PLT Christmas Felting Workshop was a wonderful success, bringing together creativity, community and a shared commitment to nature. Participants left not only with their own pollinator-themed decorations, but also with a deeper understanding of how we can all help protect our planet’s tiny yet incredibly important creatures.
This event was a lovely reminder that, through art and collaboration, we can all play a part in making London a more pollinator-friendly city. As we move into the festive season, those felted decorations will continue to remind us of both the joy of crafting and the importance of conserving the environment.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the workshop, to Rev. Nick Mottershead and the team at Holy Sepulchre and Felt Wildy for making the event possible.
