Creative workshops are back at Westenhanger Castle for the summer holidays

21 July 2023

Otterpool Park LLP has teamed up with Strange Cargo once again to run creative workshops at Westenhanger Castle throughout the school summer holidays.

Returning for its second year, Otterpool Green Stars (OGS) is an initiative that encourages young people to think about their environment and the future. The events will be held every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm throughout the holidays, from 25 July – 29 August. They are suitable for children aged 4 and over and will cost just £3 per child.

New children attending the workshops will receive an Otterpool Green Stars membership card with their photo to join the club!

Creative Workshops against a beautiful backdrop

Against the beautiful backdrop of Westenhanger Castle the workshops will offer a variety of creative activities that the Strange Cargo team will lead you through with a theme of ‘home’ creating your own collage or 3D model.  There will also be plenty of other things to do such as adding to the community rug, trying your hand at the loom door or playing games on the lawn, so bring a picnic and enjoy!

Due to last year’s popularity, places must be booked in advance through Eventbrite, which you can access here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/otterpool-green-stars-summer-holiday-creative-workshops-tickets-680758325477

Tamasin Jarrett, Otterpool Park’s Community Services and Events Manager said, “We’re excited to build on the success of last year’s programme of events with the return of the ‘Otterpool Green Stars’ summer holiday workshops. These activities are a great way to encourage young people to think about the impact we’re having on the world around us and think about creating more sustainable lifestyles whilst having a lot of fun.

“The vision for Otterpool Park includes embedding creativity in the new garden town, the work we do to encourage and enable creativity through community events such as the summer programme, will make steps towards creating that culture and identity.”

Brigitte Orasinski, Artistic Director at Strange Cargo, added, “Strange Cargo is looking forward to seeing everyone who comes along to our Otterpool Green Stars workshops this summer.  The workshops at Otterpool Park will include making lots of different colourful and interesting craft items to take home.  You can also play, dance, hop, and skip around the beautiful castle grounds while you are here, so do bring a picnic. There will be loads of fun to be had.”

Promoting a healthy lifestyle

Otterpool Park will promote a culture of sustainability and healthy lifestyles. The design of the new garden town has been led by the landscape and 50% of the area will be made up of green spaces. Areas for wildlife will be protected and enhanced which will ensure a 20% improvement to the biodiversity.

Travel distances within the new town have been designed to reduce car use and make it easy to reach facilities like schools, healthcare and shops by walking and cycling. Buildings are being designed to be low carbon and energy efficient.

Other sustainability commitments include carefully managing water use through water recycling and water-efficient fittings. Wastewater will be treated on-site and new reedbed wetlands areas will be created to help filter wastewater.

Email community@otterpoolpark.org with any questions about the events.

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