Experience traditional clay foraging and pit firing

Belinda Blignaut offers this hands-on experience in nature for those who want to connect deeply with the natural world. Participants will learn to identify and stabilise clay with other materials, as well as to dig for local clays. They will also learn the process of building, drying and firing wild clay in a traditional fire pit, an ancient and traditional technique to harden and preserve clay wares. Participants will prepare a few objects for firing with plants, seaweed and earth pigments to give texture and colour. The firing happens in a large pit in the ground, beginning around midday, and remaining closed over until the following morning when the wares have cooled down enough to be handled. Final touches are applied to the objects after the firing, through blackening with plant reduction, or applying natural glazes with milk or yoghurt. Accommodation is available on the farm, which has a retreat lodge and can be booked by each participant at extra cost.