The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, is holding a free art workshop on 24 January 2026 from 10:00–12:00 for families and visitors to make their own keepsake nests. This event is a drop-in session that does not require advance booking, allowing walkers and local residents to join in as they pass through the park. It is designed to be a simple and fun creative activity that people of all ages can enjoy while exploring the Derwent Valley.
The session will be run by North East artists Chris Folwell (also credited as Christopher Folwell and known for engineering-inspired, participatory work and automata) and Liv Hunt (theatre-maker and puppeteer). They will help visitors create small nest-like structures using natural and recycled materials in connection with the Tyne Derwent Way/Travelling Through Tyne activities, which link nature and history across a roughly nine-mile corridor from Gateshead into the Derwent Valley. Both artists have experience in participatory and puppet-based work, and they will be on hand during the session to help everyone build their own unique piece.
The Heritage Centre sits on the grounds of the former Winlaton Mill ironworks, established by Sir Ambrose Crowley in the late 17th century. At its peak the works were one of the largest industrial complexes of their kind in Europe and played a significant role in the history of the North East. The area was later reclaimed and transformed into parkland and the current Heritage Centre, encouraging visitors to reimagine the landscape and the stories of the people who lived and worked in the valley over the centuries.
On-site parking at the centre is free but limited and can fill quickly at weekends. If the main car park is full, visitors are encouraged to use the nearby Spa Well or Dam Head car parks and walk a short distance through the park. The paths around the centre and along the river are generally flat and accessible for prams and wheelchairs, though parents should always supervise children near the water and the natural play park. Visitors are advised to check the Heritage Centre’s event listings for the latest details before travelling.
