Wilder Woods » Events

Forestry and Conservation Sessions for KS4+

Deb Millar — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:25:26 +0000

We have run two taster days for small groups of secondary aged pupils interested in a possible career in forestry,conservation and countryside management in conjunction with Crispin and St Dunstan’s Schools.

The weekly sessions will resume after half term on 9th June and we are seeking funding to continue the project in September.

Do contact us for more information. forestschool@beccott.com

Teens, Tots and Toys from the Wood

Heather Brown — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:33:09 +0000

CSOLP has recently worked in partnership with the local Forest Education Initiative Cluster group to deliver a woodland toys project aimed at teenagers and pre-school children.

During the project, the teenagers designed and made simple wooden toys for pre-school children. The young people learnt basic green woodworking skills and pyrographic (writing with fire!) techniques to produce some beautiful and innovative toys.

The teenagers subsequently donated the toys to Yeovil College Children’s Centre and attended a play session at the Drayton site. The young children were obviously delighted with their new toys. Please look at the Gallery at Gallery -> Photos By Heather Brown -> 2010-05-01 and Gallery -> Drayton Woods -> Toddlers Play with Toys

Green Wood Work Skills day for FEI members

Heather Brown — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:12:20 +0000

CSOLP hosted a Green Wood Working Skills Day for the local Forest Education Initiative Cluster group on 8th May.

A chilly start to Saturday morning saw the arrival of nine, keen greenwood working students. Martyn took us through the essential safety talk and with his expert tuition we got to grips with the mechanics of making shave horses.

During the day we were lucky enough to find a piece of “olive” ash. The “oohs”and “aahs” went up as we split the log to find the beautiful green, brown pattern revealed within. An informative, enjoyable and productive day was had by all.

April Playscheme at Charlton Mackrell

Deb Millar — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:52:24 +0000

We had a glorious day in the wood. Many of the children have been coming for years now! Our Woodland Throne was thoroughly inaugurated with seven children squeezing on it at once at one point. Dens were of a very high standard. The Ivy Tribe excelled themselves creating ivy curtains. Jack, Euwan, Archie & Tom started an amazing woven wall before the allure of a game of deers and wolves proved too much to resist. A big thanks to Alice who cooked the nettle fritters and also to the nightingale who kept singing over the noise the children made. Do look at our gallery.

February Half Term – Forestry and Conservation for teenagers

Deb Millar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:15:12 +0000

Half Term Forestry and Conservation Days at West Charlton

Thanks to all who came and for all your hard work over the two days.

On the first day we made and erected nest boxes with larch from the wood. Look out for the photo of Torin in the tree http://wilderwoods.org/activitys/conservation-forestry-for-teenagers/

There are now 6 sited around the wood plus the little owl box. We inspected all of them except the little owl box (how did Peel get it up so high!). Hopefully the ones erected last year will be used this spring. We hope to get RSPB warden Simon Beard over to help us with a bird survey soon so keen ornithologists watch out for this event. It was a cold and dismal day. A special thank you to Heather’s Grass Roots grant for the warm and waterproof coat which Owen borrowed. Who says that teenagers won’t wear coats!
We also did lots of work on the pond area which is now a wonderful habitat after being dug out last year. Torin, George, Owen and James built some fine steps where everyone usually slides down to the pond area (again using larch from the wood). As it was Shrove Tuesday we made pancakes over the camp fire – (though we don’t ever need an excuse for pancakes.)

On the second day it warmed up. Ed, Martyn and Torin made a pond dipping platform whilst Emma and Abbie placed stepping stones around the side over the boggy area and created a new path. We hope to plant it up with a willow arch at the next Volunteer day on March 7th. More steps were begun on the other side but it was too wet and muddy to complete the task. Another job for volunteer day.

A big thank you to SCC youth grants which has enabled our youth volunteering to really get going.
Put March 7th Volunteer Day in your diaries. After all the forestry and conservation jobs are completed we are going to make pizza in the cob oven to celebrate.
Remember volunteering can count towards Duke of Edinburgh awards, it is also possible to work towards a John Muir Award (4 days) through us. Get in touch if you are interested. It is a nationally recognized conservation award. www.johnmuiraward.org

Woodland Half Term Activities

Hannah Aitken — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:45:10 +0000

Woodland Activities Drayton Woods February Half Term

Woodland Playscheme 8-12yr olds

Despite the atrocious weather 21 children took part in : putting up our new woodland canopy, exploratory games, collecting firewood twig puppet making and toasting cheese sandwiches & marshmallows on the campfire.

A good time was had by all and a beautiful mud pie was created spontaneously in the mud! Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who braved the weather, kept the fire going and kept the spirits high!

Woodland Challenge 11yrs plus

11 young people took part in this Challenge day; Luckily the rain stopped and we were able to relax in the woods:identifying trees through blindfold exploration, learning knots needed to build a shelter, Fire lighting techniques with a fire steel & safe use of knives. The young people then went on to build their own shelters, light fires safely and make name sticks using knives. One group created a warrior shield using materials found in the woodland to portray ideas around protection and strength.

The Sausages were enjoyed by all!

Wilder Woods Website tribulations

CSOLP — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:56:10 +0000

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership is still thriving and actively working to increase access to forestry and conservation activities for all ages. However we have unfortunately encountered a problem with our web site and ask for patience until it is up and running. Our Picassa galleries are still in place and events will be posted on here.

SPRING TERM 2010

Sat 6th March Woodland Toys: Part 1 12yrs+ 10-4pm Drayton Woods £5
Sat 13th March Woodland Toys: Part 2 12yrs+ 10-4pm Drayton Woods £5
Fri 19th/Sat 20th March Overnight Bushcraft Camp 13yrs + 5pm- 12noon Drayton Woods £15/
£12 concs
VOLUNTEER DAYS

We hold regular volunteer days to help with woodland management tasks and welcome anyone who is interested. We especially encourage youth volunteers who can get credits towards Duke of Edinburgh or John Muir Award through us. Wear warm clothes, sensible footwear and bring a packed lunch. There is no membership fee or charge but we ask you to contact our volunteer co-ordinator ahead of the days so tasks can be planned.
Sunday Feb 14th Woodland Management Adults
13yrs+ 10.30-4pm Drayton Woods
Sunday March 7th Woodland Management Adults
13yrs+ 10.30-4pm Hallr Wood
Charlton Mackrell

Please ask for concessions if you qualify for free school lunches
Activities for Young People 12 years and over are subsidised by Somerset County Council Youth Fund

Booking Essential
Please ring/e-mail for Further Details and Booking Form
Hallr Wood (nr Somerton): Deb Millar 01458 223 444
deb@beccott.com
Drayton Wood (nr Langport): Hannah Aitken 01458 252 463
hannah@madasafish.com

Volunteer Co-ordinator: Jane Wilson: 01458 446799