In August, autumn jewels are already glittering in the hedges. I've already made Rowan jelly from the trees in my garden. These trees were planted when my niece was born and this year she has made me a great aunt, so I'm looking forward to taking baby on some wild adventures.
Early blackberries are being stored away for my favourite ice cream, and I'm watching the street trees for a harvest of Turkish hazelnuts.
On some of the hottest days of the year, it's strange to be planning winter workshops, but I know some of you will be keen to come along to the Wreath Workshop. I love marking the turning points of the year, but for now, the hammock under the Rowan trees is perfect.
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Tree tales Thursday 29 August 9.30- 11.30am A special event for grown-ups or children 14 and above, starting in the beautiful Bates Green Garden in Arlington. Ramble through the ancient wood to learn the native trees. You’ll make your own little identification book to take home and use on your own walks. Discover a little more about the natural history and folklore of the trees. Bring a picnic and spend the rest of the day in the garden and wood. Booking at www.batesgreengarden.co.uk/workshops.html Bates Green Garden and Wood, Arlington | |
The unicorn adventure Friday 30 August 1.30 - 3.30pm Did you know there is a unicorn hiding in Sussex? Follow the clues through the woodland - ask the Long Man for directions, the Phoenix for fire and then the elves will create a rainbow tea party. £14 per child aged 2-11, adult free Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Woodland weave - with Bates Green Garden Thursday 3 October 9.30- 12 noon Wind your way through the woods collecting autumn treasures. Weave a wreath base for an autumn or winter display and a willow platter. Use your plate for your cake with coffee at the end of the session, and look through my wood crafting book for more inspiration. After the event, you are welcome to stay in the wood and garden, drawing, painting, meditating, reading or watching the wildlife. You can bring a picnic lunch and make this tranquil space your own. To book, follow this link to Bates Green Garden £36 per adult, (inc £1 booking fee) Bates Green Garden and Wood, Arlington | |
Forest fungi - with Bates Green Garden Thursday 10 October 9.30- 12 noon Why do fungi pop up in autumn? Discover how they grow, learn the many different shapes and features to tell them apart. Discover how fungi research has led to the discovery of the "mother tree". Browse my woodland and fungi books over coffee and cake at the end of the session. To book, follow this link to Bates Green Garden £36 per adult, (inc £1 booking fee) Bates Green Garden and Wood, Arlington | |
Room on the broom Tuesday 29 Oct 10.30 - 12 noon Tell the story of the adventurous witch as we walk the autumn woods. Create a giant potion to drink and make yourself a broomstick to fly home. £10 per child aged 2-11 Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Zog and the campfire Friday 1 Nov 10.30 - 12 noon Act the story of Zog and discover the dragon of the woods. Learn to make dragon sparks for a fire, and toast the treasure. Can you find a baby dragon to take home? £10 per child aged 2-11 Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Family fungus hunt Friday 1 Nov 1pm - 3pm Know your inkcaps from your parasols, stinkhorns from earthballs! Learn how the toadstool gets its spots, make a mini mushroom to take home. £7 per person aged 4-adult Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Wreath workshop Sunday 1 Dec 1.30pm - 3.30pm Family workshop around the fire, nibbling mince pies and ginger biscuits while creating a beautiful wreath. The children will create other little Christmassy decorations with me while you put the finishing touches to your wreath. £14 per person aged 6-adult Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Stick Man Friday 20 Dec 10.30am-12 & 1-2.30pm Follow the story of Stick Man through the winter woods, toast a crumpet on the campfire and make your own Stick Man to take home. £11 per child aged 2-11 Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Jack in the Green Sunday 5th January 2-4pm "Have you seen Jack-in-the-Green? With his long tail hanging down He quietly sits under every tree In the folds of his velvet gown." Jethro Tull Moss shines out brightly in the winter woods. Celebrate the green of midwinter: make a mini-mossarium with snowdrops, lichen and an acorn cup for Jack to drink the morning dew. Make a frost-rimmed drink for yourself and search out the snowflake biscuits. Warm your fingers and toes by the campfire. £14 per child aged 4 to 15. Refreshments for adults also included. Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
To book, email sarah@cherrywoodadventures.co.uk Adults must accompany children - free unless otherwise stated | |
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Lammas time - the new growth on the trees contrasts with the dusty leaves which emerged in spring.
Lammas means "loaf mass" in celebration of harvest - bake some bread and celebrate the height of summer as it tips into the rewards of autumn. Image: AdamOnSea
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My learning groups are almost full, but do ask if you would like to join us.
Bluebell Club runs Fridays, 10.30-12 & 12.45-2.15, for 2 to 4 year olds;
Acorn Folk runs on Tuesdays, 10.30-12 for 2 to 4 year olds;
Forest Folk runs on Wednesdays, 10.30-12.30 for 5 to 10 year olds;
Nature Adventures runs Mondays-Wednesdays after school at Motcombe.
For more information see www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/learning
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Autumn in Sussex woodlands. Such joy and reward. See you in the wild. Sarah Wilesmith | |
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www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk 07887 556336 www.facebook.com/cherrywoodadventures | |
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