Delve beneath the surface and draw inspiration from Mote Park

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is celebrating its Green Flag Award-Winning Mote Park through a series of Creative Walks and Workshops to encourage everyone to appreciate the open space throughout the year.

The council is highlighting the beauty of the much-loved park by offering a different way to explore and engage creatively through three seasonal events. Each session will include a guided walk, followed by a tutored workshop in the Mote Park Learning Space.

‘Drawing on History’ on Saturday 2 May 2026 will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the hidden history of the park. Join Community Archaeologist Andrew Mayfield, who will lead a walk to the site of the old Mote House and explain some of the findings from recent excavations, before returning to the Learning Space to take a closer look at some of the artefacts recovered. Local artist Cas Holmes will then lead a tutored sketching session to capture some of the objects, looking at different aspects of time in the park and the interaction between history and nature.

In the summer, Cas Holmes will be back to lead a leisurely ‘Watercolour Walk’ on Wednesday 1 July around the park, exploring the variety of landscapes, with a particular focus on trees and the effects of sunshine and shade. Participants will learn some basic techniques through an improvisational approach to watercolour painting in the great outdoors.

As the seasons shift again, join the ‘Tales in the Trees’ on Wednesday 14 October for the chance to explore the folklore and myths surrounding many of the trees and plants in the park. Discover the many and varied uses of trees like beech and elder, and the stories that surround them. Afterwards, enjoy a tutored creative session taking inspiration from your favourite tree or story to create a delightful little book using oak gall ink and rubbings of leaves, bark and other foraged items collected on the walk.

Commenting on the upcoming events in the park, Cllr Stephen Thompson, MBC Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, said:

Mote Park is a real jewel in the crown of the borough of Maidstone, and the Council is delighted to showcase this wonderful community asset throughout the year.

It is wonderful to see how the park changes with the seasons, and these events will be an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to come and appreciate our park, while learning new skills and developing their creative flair.

All three Creative Walk and Workshop events are designed to encourage wider access and exploration of Mote Park’s natural habitats, and inspire creativity. Booking for these events is essential as spaces are limited.

Further details and booking instructions can be found at www.visitmaidstone.com

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