UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Wildlife
Helping Wildlife in Summertime
Learn how you can help nature in the summer, go on an insect hunt & build a bug home!
Plus there will be other gardening activities and craft too!
Suitable for ages 4-11 years.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited. You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Forest School for Home Educated Young People with Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Forest School
For Home Educated Young People
Wednesday 29th July + Wednesday 19th August + Wednesday 2nd September
Learn & explore with Suffolk Wildlife Trust
& Grow With Us
at the Dales Open Space, Dales Road, Ipswich.
Join us for a fun and hands-on introduction to Forest School.
Activities include building a rope swing or hammock, Den building, whittling,
learning how to spot and identify trees, birds and bugs, crafts and much more!
Suitable for ages 11-15 years.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
Book Now
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited. A small, refundable deposit of £5 to secure your child’s place which will be returned at the first session
Your child will need to be able to attend all 3 sessions.
Initially bookings are open to families living in Whitton, Whitehouse, Castle Hill and the Dales. If spaces remain booking will be open to the wider community.
You will receive your booking confirmation by email once you have paid your deposit. (please check your spam folder)
These sessions are unaccompanied but we ask that parent/guardian remains in the area.
Each session will begin at Grow With Us Community Garden via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.00am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer your child not to be included, please let one of the organisers know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather. Please ensure all young people bring/wear a waterproof coat and in hot weather, bring/wear a sunhat and have applied sunscreen. No open toed shoes. No shorts (we advise long trousers to protect against ticks, brambles & nettles). Long hair to be tied back.
Herbs-Mint!
Herbs-all about Mint!
Learn how to grow and use mint.
Mint is one of the world's most popular and versatile herbs, cherished for centuries for its refreshing fragrance, cooling flavor, and impressive health benefits. Whether it's steeped in a soothing cup of tea, blended into toothpaste, or used to enhance your favorite recipes, mint has earned its place as a staple in homes around the world.
But there's much more to this remarkable herb than its familiar taste and aroma. With a rich history, a wide variety of species, and deep cultural significance, mint is full of fascinating stories and surprising characteristics. In this session, we'll intriguing facts about mint, exploring everything from its origins and unique varieties to its many practical uses. Get ready to discover what makes this extraordinary herb so special—and why it deserves a place in your everyday life.
suitable for adults
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited. You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Ladies craft
Flowerpot painting
Ladies crafting
Join us for some mindful crafting, by painting a terracotta plant pot for your garden or doorstep for only £5.00
🤝 Social benefits
Connects you with others — Whether it’s sharing projects online, gifting handmade items, or crafting in a group, it creates community.
Strengthens relationships — Handmade gifts carry emotional weight. They show care, time, and thoughtfulness.
🧠 Mental benefits
Reduces stress — Repetitive, hands‑on tasks like stitching, painting, or gluing activate the brain’s relaxation response. Your heart rate drops, your breathing steadies, and your mind gets a break from constant thinking.
🎨 Creative benefits
Keeps imagination alive — Crafting encourages experimentation, play, and curiosity.
Gives you a sense of identity — Your style, your colours, your ideas — crafting lets you express who you are without needing permission.
Ladies group.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Cost £5. All materials included
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited. You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
National Children's Gardening Week
National Children’s Gardening Week
Join us in helping children grow!
The aim of National Children’s Gardening Week is to inspire children’s curiosity, whilst the warm weather is a great time to see speedy results of seed sowing, planting and other gardening activities.
Join us for a fun and hands-on children’s gardening activities at our community garden! Little gardeners can enjoy sowing a variety of seeds including sunflowers, beans & pumpkins! There will be crafting plus drink & snack too too!
Suitable for ages 4-11 years.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Let's Grow Fairy Carrots!
Let’s Grow Fairy Carrots!
Join us in helping children grow!
A food activity that will help your picky eater learn to be more comfortable with carrots.
Plus there will be other gardening activities, fairy and carrot craft too!
Carrots are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure by supporting healthy blood flow. Good circulation is essential because it carries nutrients throughout the body.
Carrots also contain vitamin B6, which supports the immune system and contributes to heart health. Since children’s immune systems are still developing, vitamin B6 plays an important role in helping them stay healthy.
With all these benefits, encouraging kids and toddlers to eat carrots is a great way to support their overall health. There will be crafting plus drink & snack too too!
Suitable for ages 4-11 years.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Easter Fun
Join us for some Easter Fun
Join us for Easter crafts, games,
Easter Hat decorating and of course….Egg hunt!
As the date is also April Fools Day….tell us your best joke and if you make us laugh, we will give you a bag of Haribo!
Suitable for families, children & adults
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Crafting for Adults
Crafting for Adults
Our monthly craft sessions are open to all ladies, but places are limited and booking is essential.
Cost: £5 includes some materials.
6.30-8.30pm.
Future dates are; April 13th, May 11th, June 8th.
Get in touch to find out more!
March 2nd-Handmade indoor hanging mobiles
Hedgehog Homes with Suffolk Wildlife Trust
FULLY BOOKED
Hedgehog Home Building
Join Dan, from Suffolk Wildlife Trust and make a hedgehog home for your garden and identify paw prints and wildlife poo!
Hedgehogs are considered a gardeners best friend as they will happily hoover up insects roaming around the vegetable patch and flower border, eating all sorts of bugs and crunchy beetles but numbers are in decline and they need our help!
Dan will have everything you or your child needs to make your hedgehog home (1 per household) and will help guide you through the process.
Suffolk Wildlife Trusts wildlife homes are made using local, sustainable wood from Bridge Wood, part of Orwell Country Park in Ipswich. The non-native pine trees in Bridge Wood are gradually being removed in order to replant with native species. This will also open up other areas allowing more light through, benefitting a wealth of different species. The trees have been felled and processed by the Greenways Countryside Project along with volunteers from Ipswich Wildlife Group.
Suitable for families, children & adults
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
One hedgehog home per household
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10am unless otherwise stated
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
Halloween
Halloween Fun & Crafts
Attention all witches, goblins and ghouls, check out our fab-BOO-lous, wickedly fun Halloween event. If you're looking for fang-filled family activities and don’t want to fly far, join us for games and crafts and munchies!
Fancy dress welcome!
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join in the fun
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10am unless otherwise stated
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
Autumn Mobiles with Nicole
FULLY BOOKED
Autumn Mobiles with Nicole & Rachael
Join Nicole in creating a hanging mobile for your garden, using natural materials to celebrate Autumn.
Suitable for ages 5 years +
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so book your place quickly.
T’s & C’s apply*
Free event
*Please note:
Booking is essential as places are limited
As our events are free, please note that if you have attended 3 or more of our events this year, priority will be given to new families to enable others to join
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (please check your spam folder)
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only, at 10am unless otherwise stated
This event is an outside event, please dress for the weather.
As this is a public space, photos may be taken for publicity purposes so if you prefer not to be included, please let one of our team know on arrival, thanks
Midsummer Nature
Midsummer Nature and how we can help
Join us with Dan from Suffolk Wildlife Trust as we explore the life of Swifts & Butterflies, craft and learn how we can all help nature in hot weather
Spaces are limited so book your place quickly.
Free event
Please note:
Each family group must have at least one adult attending
Booking is essential as places are limited
You will receive your booking confirmation by email (check your spam folder)
Entry is via the Ashcroft Lane entrance only
Insects, Bug boxes & Planting for Nature with Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Its all about the Bugs!
Join Dan and explore the fascinating world of insects, from ants to butterflies as we go on a bug hunt, build habitats and craft!
Reptiles & Amphibians With Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Reptile Spotting (with Suffolk Wildlife Trust)
