Well Dressing, Dronfield Woodhouse, 2026

The true origins of Well Dressing are lost in the mists of time. According to many sources, it developed from a pagan custom of making sacrifice to the gods of wells and springs to ensure a continued supply of fresh water. Like many folk traditions, it was later adopted, some say kidnapped, by the Christian Church.

This year the Dronfield Woodhouse Well Dressing is celebrating the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh.

In 2026 the proceeds from the Well Dressing will be going to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

The Wildlife Trusts believe that people are part of nature; everything we value ultimately comes from it and everything we do impacts upon it.

petals in clay
we find the well dressing
but not the well

Paul Conneally
July 13th 2026