Discover the magic of creating phytograms with seaweed and sunlight at Fife’s Seaweed Darkroom, a unique outdoor art workshop that combines science, nature, and creativity near Edinburgh. Dive into this hands-on experience and leave with your own stunning coastal prints!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required beyond light walking and handling art materials.
Wildlife
History
Fife’s coast has a long history of fishing and marine trade, shaping the local culture and environment.
Conservation
Participating in this workshop supports awareness of sustainable seaweed harvesting and coastal preservation.
Fife Seaweed Fest
Discover the magic of creating phytograms with seaweed and sunlight at Fife’s Seaweed Darkroom, a unique outdoor art workshop that combines science, nature, and creativity near Edinburgh. Dive into this hands-on experience and leave with your own stunning coastal prints!
Fife Seaweed Fest is a community-focused festival and series of hands-on experiences based in Saint Monans (St Monans), Scotland.
Featured on The Adventure Collective, Fife Seaweed Fest showcases the coastal plants, crafts and cultural stories connected to seaweed through small-group workshops, guided foraging walks, film screenings and tasting events.
Programming brings together local practitioners and visiting experts: foraging and food sessions are led by Graham and Christine from Whitehouse Foraging; artist Kit Martin runs darkroom and phytogram workshops; and special guest Eileen Budd contributes historical storytelling to selected events.
Offerings include cyanotype and darkroom printing, seaweed paper making, composting demonstrations using beach-cast seaweed, craft sessions, guided low-tide forages with hands-on cooking, and film nights such as the UK premiere of "Mother of the Sea" with filmmaker Q&As and a seaweed gin tasting.
Workshops emphasize accessible, practical learning and place-based connection to the Fife coastline. The Cyanotypes at the Seashore workshop is explicitly limited to four participants and supplies materials; other sessions take place on nearby beaches and in community venues.
Fife Seaweed Fest focuses on combining creative practice, ecological appreciation and local knowledge to offer trustworthy, expert-led opportunities for anyone wanting to learn more about seaweed, coastal craft and foraging in Fife.
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcomed and encouraged regularly.
Location
Saint Monans
On the Fife coast, Scotland
Intimate Sessions
Up to 4 (cyanotypes)
Small-group cyanotype workshop
Film Events
UK premiere
Includes "Mother of the Sea" screening
Workshops Offered
9 experiences
Foraging, craft, film and composting
Reserve workshops, foraging walks or film nights — see dates and details for cyanotypes, seaweed forages, paper-making, composting and more.
Protect your camera-less work
Use gloves or handle with care to avoid damage to your prints during exposure and handling.
Mind the sunlight
Visit during a sunny day for optimal light exposure and vibrant print results.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Dress for outdoor conditions, as the workshop involves outdoor or garden work.
Plan for drying time
Allow space and time for your prints to dry after exposure, especially on humid days.
Comfortable outdoor clothing
Clothing that can get paint, chemicals, or seaweed on, and that suits weather conditions.
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Gloves
Protect your hands from chemicals and seaweed handling.
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Sunhat or cap
Shield your eyes and face during outdoor exposure.
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Waterproof bag or container
Keep your finished prints safe and dry after the workshop.
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