Wonder is everywhere when you learn how to notice it
ABOUT US
Wild City is a small, family-run business led by married team Bethia & Jordan. Driven by a shared love of art, nature and the outdoors, we’re here to add a bit of creative magic to life across West Sussex and Hampshire through workshops, events, design and community projects.
Think of Wild City as a portable business tree with plenty of branches! We run friendly, play-based art workshops inspired by the natural world, create and host community events including markets and exhibitions, work with businesses, schools and charities on creative projects, and offer freelance graphic design, illustration and artwork.
BIOPHILIA
a love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms
We as people, have an innate connection to nature, and Wild City is about exploring that relationship, to enhance wellbeing, build creative confidence and promote community spirit. We know that spending time in nature, interacting with it, learning about it and caring for it is good for us, for our minds and for our souls.
OUR STORY
We believe in seeing the beauty of the weeds, practicing the art of noticing, slowing down, trying new things (because why not!), enjoying the process and learning to LIVE in a mindful way.
Wild City started with two people, a toddler, a newborn and some wild ideas.
Back in 2020, we were getting ready to leave the countryside and move to the city. Life was a bit of a whirlwind - two very small children, very little sleep and plenty of big questions about what we wanted to achieve. Somewhere amongst the chaos, we started talking about creating something of our own. Something creative. Something connected to nature. Something that felt meaningful.
We didn’t really know what Wild City would become. We just knew we wanted to make space for the things we loved, and hopefully create something that could give other people a little bit of that too. That first idea was the seedling.
Bethia had just finished her Masters Degree, exploring the impact of nature on wellbeing through art, illustration and interior design. Together, we started thinking about how creativity and the natural world could support wellbeing, encourage social connection and help people step away from the busyness of everyday life.
Play is important. For everyone. Always.
It helps us relax, recharge and find joy in unexpected places. Play is the thing that makes us human. That became a big part of what we wanted Wild City to be about. We wanted to create down-to-earth workshops, free from boundaries and open to everyone - somewhere people could experiment, use their imagination, try something new and make something completely their own.
We’re both ideas people, but in slightly different ways. Jordan sees the bigger picture, and Bethia gets into the details - working out how to make it happen together. We bounce thoughts around, challenge each other, fill in the gaps and, pour those ideas into Wild City.
Since then, our little seedling has grown into workshops, events, community projects and creative collaborations. We’ve worked on some incredible projects, hosted our own events, run plenty of sold-out workshops and shared our vision with hundreds of people along the way.
When we’re not working, we spend as much time as we can exploring the wild with our two children - taking pictures, collecting treasure and gathering inspiration wherever we go.
We’re still growing, but we’ve never wanted to grow at all costs. We’d rather put down strong roots, grow at a careful pace and create something that has a lasting impact.
Follow us on social media to keep up with our adventure scrapbook.
MEET THE TEAM
Bethia Bridges
Co-Founder
Bethia is an experienced designer and workshop leader with over ten years multi-industry experience, specialist skills in visual communication, digital design and technical skills including pattern design, book making, illustration and print.
Growing up at the base of the South Downs, she has an inbuilt connection to nature that strongly influences her artwork and workshop themes. She is passionate about the relationship between nature, creativity and wellbeing, which became the focus of her professional & academic practice.
Jordan Bridges
Co-Founder
Jordan helps with the planning and development of workshops & events, communication, networking and organisation. His positivity, passion for the environment and love of adventure are at the core of Wild City, along with creative idea's, hard graft and endless energy!
Day to day, he is a Business Development Manager with over ten years experience in high level management & operations across various sectors.
OUR VALUES
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We believe in promoting positive mental health & wellbeing through biophilic principles.
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We believe in taking an innovative approach by being open minded, embracing change and constantly learning in order to grow.
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We believe in our local community, culture and history
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We believe in the diversity of our planet - that anyone of any age, race, religion, sexuality or background is valuable, important and included.
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We believe in imagination and making things for the sake of making things. We aim to encourage confidence through creativity and artistic expression.
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We believe in inspiring humanity to look between the cracks in the concrete and recognise the magic of nature in our cities.
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We believe in education, in listening, and in teaching where to look but not what to see. We all have something to teach and we all have something to learn.
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We believe that you are at the heart of our values and why Wild City exists. We want to champion local people, creative small businesses and the wider community.