INSPIRATIONS - elder

A collection of elder-based activities including whistles, bead threading, simple crafts, recipes and natural art using elder wood, flowers and berries.

Introduction

Explore the versatility of the elder tree with this inspiring collection of hands-on outdoor activities. From crafting whistles and bead strings to making simple moving toys and natural charcoal pencils, these ideas encourage creative use of elder wood and plant parts.

Ideal for Forest School, bushcraft sessions, outdoor classrooms and home education, the activities combine practical skills with seasonal exploration. Learners can also experiment with elderflower or berry-based recipes and natural painting, supporting sensory play and creativity.

This resource helps deepen understanding of useful plants while encouraging safe, respectful interaction with nature through making, experimenting and outdoor discovery.

What you'll need

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Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

see individual activities

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

see individual activities

Elder:

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a small deciduous tree native to the UK. For more information about the elder look at the Woodland Trust’s A-Z guide to native trees in our information section on the Outdoor Hub.

Elder wood has a soft pith in the centre that can easily be poked out – perfect for creating hollow tubes. This quality has been put to use for centuries and long tubes were used as blowing tubes for the fire.

When you look for elder wood to use be mindful of how much you take from each tree (see tips for foraging) as to get to a piece that is thumb thick you often have to remove a lot of the smaller foliage.

You can use the wood for carving activities at any time of year, but making elderflower cordial or other elderberry recipes are seasonal (summer).

Elder Bead String

A simple and very satisfying way of making your own elder beads using simple tools.

Simply whittle:

Sitting in the woods with a knife and whittling away at a piece of elder is a very therapeutic process. You don’t have to create anything in particular.

Elderberry paint:

Have some fun in the autumn using the berry juice as natural ink.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.