Nature Thursdays at Congleton Museum
Join us for six free family workshops at Congleton Museum throughout the summer holidays. Paint, plant, print and create while discovering how Congleton’s wildlife and landscapes have changed over the last 100 years.
The workshops are inspired by Our Disappearing Nature, Congleton Museum’s new summer programme. The story follows a bear who has woken up after a century-long sleep and is trying to understand what has changed in the world around him.
Alongside the workshops, families can explore the Our Disappearing Nature exhibition, follow self-guided museum trails and take part in activities throughout the museum.
Taking part
All workshops and museum entry are free of charge. Donations are welcome, with a suggested donation of £3 per child.
Places for the timed workshops are limited, so advance booking is required. Please book a place for each child attending. Accompanying adults do not need to book.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The workshops are suitable for children aged 3+.
Location: Congleton Museum, Market Square, Congleton, CW12 1ET.
Paint a Bear Workshop
23 July, 11.00 am-12.00 pm or 1.30-2.30 pm
Join us for a free family art session and paint your own plaster bear.
Children will paint two bears: one to take home and one to become part of a new bear trail around Congleton. They can decorate their bears with colours, patterns and designs inspired by Congleton’s changing wildlife.
The session will be led by a former Bossons factory painter, sharing skills from one of Congleton’s best-known creative traditions.
Book the Paint a Bear Workshop
Bears, Blooms and Nature Cards
30 July, 11.00 am-12.00 pm or 1.30-2.30 pm
Create your own card inspired by bears, flowers and local nature.
Children will use paints, crayons, different shapes and craft materials to design a unique card featuring bears, flowers or scenes from the natural world. The activity encourages children to think about the plants and wildlife found around Congleton and how the local landscape has changed during the last century.
Book Bears, Blooms and Nature Cards
Plant a Piece of Nature
6 August, 11.00 am-3.00 pm
Join Congleton Rotary Club for a family planting session.
Children will decorate a biodegradable pot, fill it with compost and plant seeds to take home and grow. The Rotary Club will provide the pots, seeds, planting materials and support throughout the activity.
Families will discover how even a small pot or patch of wildflowers can support local wildlife. Children will also receive simple guidance on caring for their plants and watching how they grow at home.
Book Plant a Piece of Nature event details
Leaf Print Art
13 August, 11.00 am-12.00 pm or 1.30-2.30 pm
Create your own picture using real leaves.
Children will look closely at the shapes, patterns and textures of different leaves before using colour, wax crayons and paint to create prints, pictures and original designs. The activity helps children notice the variety of plants around them and discover how natural materials can be used to create art.
Paper Flowers for Pollinators
20 August, 11.00 am-12.00 pm or 1.30-2.30 pm
Make your own colourful paper flowers and discover why flowers matter to wildlife.
Children will use crepe paper, card and other craft materials to create flowers with stems, petals and colourful details. They will explore the different colours and shapes of flowers and learn why flowers are important for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Book Paper Flowers for Pollinators
Create a Window into Congleton
27 August, 11.00 am-12.00 pm or 1.30-2.30 pm
Help create a large community picture of Congleton.
Each child will decorate a card using bears, flowers, local scenes and a range of craft materials. The finished cards will be placed together inside a large frame, creating a shared artwork designed to look like a window onto Congleton.
Children can show the town as they see it today or imagine what our bear might discover after waking from a century-long sleep.