Drawing from the Woods

Free family Biodiversity Week workshop at Rinnagan Wood: explore native trees, make art tools from nature and draw what you discover.

🌿 Drawing from the Woods

A Biodiversity Week Family Art & Nature Workshop

As part of National Biodiversity Week 2026, join the Native Woodland Trust and local artists for a gentle, creative day in the woods at Rinnagan Wood Nature Reserve & Native Tree Nursery, Co. Roscommon.

Drawing from the Woods is a relaxed, outdoor, art‑meets‑nature event for families and individuals of all ages. No drawing experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down and look a little closer.

✏️ What to expect

This collaborative event brings together artistic practice, ecological learning and place‑based storytelling in a welcoming community setting.

• Begin with a guided woodland walk led by Jeremy Casey, General Manager of the Native Woodland Trust
• Learn about native tree species, woodland biodiversity and conservation stories
• Take time to observe shapes, textures, patterns and species within the woodland
• Work with artists Lily Bernard and Judith Ryan to:
• Create simple drawing tools, charcoal and natural pigments from woodland materials
• Explore observational drawing techniques inspired by the landscape
• Enjoy a warm drink together at the end of the workshop and reflect on the experience

The workshop encourages sustainable creativity, hands-on learning and a deeper connection to local biodiversity

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who is this for?

• Families and individuals of all ages
• Complete beginners and experienced artists alike
• Anyone interested in nature, biodiversity, creativity or slowing down outdoors

🤝 Collaborators

A collaboration between:

• Native Woodland Trust
• Lily Bernard, artist
• Judith Ryan, artist

With support from the Irish Environmental Network and Creative Roscommon.

📍 Event Details

Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Meeting Point:
Rinnagan Wood Nature Reserve & Native Tree Nursery, St John’s Road, Rinnagan, Co. Roscommon
👉 https://maps.app.goo.gl/P63kXF4tmqNTC8RS9

Tickets: Free (booking required)

🎒 What to bring

• Warm, waterproof clothing
• Hiking boots or sturdy footwear
• Reading glasses (if you need them)
• Water, a snack and any medication you require
• A keep cup for tea/coffee at the end

🚻 Bathroom Facilities

There are no bathroom facilities on site at Rinnagan Wood Nature Reserve.
The nearby village of Lecarrow is less than a 7‑minute drive away, and we recommend a rest stop there before arriving.

⚠️ Important Information

• This is an outdoor event and will take place in a woodland setting
• Events may be cancelled at short notice in the event of severe weather or weather warnings. If cancellation is necessary, participants will be notified by email as early as possible
• If you book a ticket but later realise you cannot attend, please let us know so we can release your ticket to another participant

📩 Contact

Native Woodland Trust
Jeremy Casey
📧 jeremy.casey@nativewoodlandtrust.ie

+353871953629

All ages are welcome but please note, we will be walking on uneven ground so this is not suitable for buggies. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.