August 17th, 2026

Take part in CHASE ESCAPE

Dorset Visual Arts is again working in partnership with Cranborne Chase National Landscape (CCNL) to deliver workshops as part of CCNL’s Chase Escape Walking Festival 16th - 27th September 2026. Artists will run free-to-attend workshops which encourage participants to explore the Chase through a variety of activities including drawing, handfelting and wax-resist painting, as well as making bird whistle pinch pots!

Each session provides the chance to try a variety of materials to explore the unique landscape of Cranborne Chase! Sessions vary in distance and all involve exploration and discovery of the ecology, history and other stories of Cranborne Chase. 

The sessions are designed to help encourage people to access Cranborne Chase National Landscape, bringing different groups and communities to the area to raise awareness of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Artist Workshops:

  • Thurs 17th - Deep Time Walk through Garston Wood with Greg Morter

  • Sun 20th - Win Green Sketchbook Workshop with Helen Dean

  • Mon 21st - Nature-based Art at Shaftesbury Abbey with Sarah Smith

  • Tues 22nd - Singing Animal Totems (Clay Whistles) at Gussage All Saints Village Hall with Imogen Charleston 

  • Weds 23rd - Traces of the Chase with Siân Cann (2 sessions including one for visually impaired)

  • Sat 26th - Springs, Mills and Streams at Springhead Trust with Rachel Sargent

  • Sun 27th - Shire Rack Sketches with Tonia Gunstone

To book your place on the workshops and explore the programme

visit the Cranborne Chase Eventbrite page

This project is produced by Dorset Visual Arts in partnership with Cranborne Chase National Landscape and is made possible thanks to funding from The Grocer’s Charity

cranbornechase.org.uk

Image: Jamie Randall