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Join artists from Edible East as they journey into the microscopic world of Norfolk's landscape. Inspired by 2025 being the 400th anniversary of the use of the term 'microscope', this exhibition is part of an on-going residency at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, supported by the John Innes Centre and The Centre for Microbial Interactions, Norwich. From microscopic fungi that support life in the soil, to single-celled algae that overwhelm freshwater ecosystems, Edible East have responded to a range of historic and contemporary material, offering a visual and playful exploration of our relationship with the natural world. Alongside large-scale, mixed media artworks, using print, installation and shadow-theatre techniques, visitors will be able to see historical material on loan from the John Innes Foundation Historical Collections.

Celebrate the first blooming May Bank Holiday with us at Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse. Make your own everlasting blossom (11am-12noon & 2-3pm), and bring (or buy) a picnic to enjoy in the orchard. Pick up a Habitats for Nature trail at the giftshop or borrow a Small Explorer Belt from Cherry Tree Cottage and see if you can spot any pollinators in the gardens. Head down to the farm for tractor trailer rides, see which flowers and crops are starting to pop, and to visit our growing baby animals!

Both flax and Norfolk Horn fleece have played an important role in Norfolk's textile past. Come and explore what these sustainable fibres mean to us in the present! Volunteers will be meeting once per month from March - October 2025 on site at Gressenhall to demonstrate the heritage skills involved in linen and wool production, talking to our visitors about the practical activities they are showcasing - from planting and processing to scutching and spinning! Activities will vary per month and are subject to volunteer availability.

Head to Gressenhall in May Half Term and dig into some fun! Take part in activities every day at 11am-12noon & 2-3pm inspired by our partnership with Norfolk Libraries and our love of gardens. Use our self led trails to explore our site from farming fields to workhouse table, enjoy garden games and tractor trailer rides, and learn more about how to get those green fingers growing, from closer looks at soil health to hands-on fun for little ones (and special event Spring Fairytale 28 May). The British Library's spring exhibition Unearthed celebrates the remarkable stories of the people and plants that shape our gardens. A temporary exhibition of Unearthed will be coming to Living Knowledge Network Libraries across the UK from 2 May - 10 August 2025, as well as a special short stay at Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse from 24 May - 8 June!

This one day workshop will introduce you to using bark to create small, sustainable and functional containers. You will learn how to harvest and prepare bark as a weaving material, as well as identifying other plants that provide useful materials for producing cordage and weavers to add colour and detail to your container. Join willow weaving expert Karen Bek for some mindful, sustainable making and learn how to get even more out of your garden! Part of Norfolk Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2025.

Hoping to make some memories with your family during May Half Term? Join us at Gressenhall for a Spring Fairytale! This event is made with young families in mind - all about the joy of stories that we've loved for generations. Meet costumed characters from favourite tales and take part in their themed activities, from a princess party in the Farmhouse to sweets with the Wicked Witch in Cherry Tree Cottage. Special guests Norfolk Libraries are leading Bounce & Rhyme sessions, BSL Storytime sessions are running in partnership with Little Bear Club, and our Flax and Fleece Project will be spinning a good yarn down on the Farm! Seek out some magic on one of our trails around the site from Cinderella's mice in the museum to missing magical objects. Look out for fairies in our beautiful woodland, orchard and river walk - or even in Art Attack, 1-4pm... As a bonus for early birds, free face-painting 10am-12noon; first come first served! And of course, fancy dress is more than welcome.

Willow weaving expert Karen Bek is bringing her expertise to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse with a two-day basket-making workshop. As well as working on their own willow skills, participants will have chance to connect with Gressenhall's collection of basketry-related objects from Norfolk's past - and will end the weekend with their own traditional round English basket to take home. All tools and materials supplied. Please be advised that refreshments are not provided; you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch and the Mardlers' Rest Café will be open throughout the day. Basketry can be hard on the hands and does require some strength. Karen will be able to help you if your hands get tired and the two days enables plenty of short breaks. Bring a notebook and pen if you want to take notes. As this workshop is being run by an external partner, we are not able to offer our usual membership discounts.