Don't be afraid of the dark | |
It's not long until the days turn longer again.
We will use that dark time well - time for warm fires, toasted nuts, hot drinks, working and walking in the woods.
This winter is full of ideas and plans, growing in the damp earth, along with those Bluebells.
By the time February arrives, those shoots will be finding the light.
| |
Inspiration found in folk song and folklore. I'm looking forward to a new year with the Cutty Wren, the king-bird whose symbolic 'hunting' helps turn the year back to the warmth. I was so pleased to meet Johnny Flynn and Robert Macfarlane in November. They kindly shared with me the lyrics and thoughts behind their version of the Cutty Wren for the BBC Dark is Rising drama, which I'm adapting for the Winter Wren event.
Storytelling works its way into many of my sessions, building in local characters like the Wilmington Giant and Jack in the Green. Later in the year, there will be more Elderflower Magic and other foraging activities.
As I write, warmed by my beautifully embroidered hot water bottle, the wind roars in the trees but the Mistle Thrush's defiant song can be heard above it all.
I love leading birdsong walks. Listening again to the recording I made of five nightingales last year, the warmth and joy of spring surges in, gives me energy to last through the dark.
| |
|
|
Winter wren
Sunday 31 December 2-4pm
"Will you come to the wood, where the wren's nest is found?"
At the turn of the year, take the deepest dark and turn it to light. Taking the myth of the Hunting of the Wren, we will use Robert Macfarlane's beautiful version of "Cutty Wren" to create our own winter magic.
"If we build her a bier of birch leaf and fox fire
And we stitch it all together with needles of wren song..."
Make your own little wren to take home from wood and birch leaves. Be part of a fire festival that echoes down the centuries, and celebrate the turning of the year with hot drinks, cakes and biscuits.
£11 per person aged 6 to adult
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Dinosaur adventure
Friday 16 February 10.30-12
Hunt for the baby dinosaurs hiding in the woods... can you find the giant egg? Create a dinosaur swamp to play in, discover fossils and eat dino biscuits.
£9 per child aged 2-11, adult free
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Winter camp
Friday 16 February 1.30 - 3.30
Build a cosy camp, learn fire lighting techniques for cooking sausages. Light your own fire to toast a marshmallow, and make a wooden coaster to take home.
£12 per child aged 5-12
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Easter bunnies
Friday 29 March 10.30-12.15
Find the rabbits hiding in the woods. They will help you find bunny biscuits for a spring party. Make a tiny bed and find a baby bunny to take home.
£12 per child aged 3-11, adult free
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Easter egg hunt
Friday 29 March 1.30 - 3.30
Follow the trail to find eggs left for you by the woodland birds... Play games to learn bird names, melt chocolate to make a nest and decorate hens eggs from the farm.
£12 per child aged 3-11, adult free
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
The big bad mouse
Tuesday 2 April 10.30 - 12
Tell the tale of the scariest creature in all the wood. Make a shadow puppet and a willow screen to play with.
Enjoy some Gruffalo crumble!
£11 per child aged 2-11
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Flower fairies
Tuesday 2 April 1.30 - 3.15pm
Cast a spring spell to find the fairies! Make a spring crown or wreath filled with flowers and some fairy cupcakes and potions for a flower party. Take home a woodland fairy.
£12 per child aged 3-11, adult free
Bluebell Wood, Arlington | |
Up with the lark
Sunday 7 April 6am - 7.30am
The annual dawn chorus walk, through the woods and ending on the Downs with larksong, sunrise and croissants, plus a birdsong guide to take home.
£7 per person aged 7 to adult
Cherry Garden Road, Eastbourne | |
A Nightingale dawn
Sunday 28 April 4.30am - 6am
There is a special spot in the woods where the Nightingales sing. As we walk through the dark woods, we will discover the natural history of these amazing birds. Then we'll snuggle down with blankets and hot drinks and listen to these amazing singers in the dark. As dawn breaks, they are joined by all the other woodland birds. This is a truly magical experience, worth the early start! A moment from last year can be found here.
£10 per person aged 8 to adult.
Abbots Wood, Arlington | |
To book, email [email protected]
Adults must accompany children - free unless otherwise stated | |
Most of my learning groups are full now, but you can always ask to be on a cancellation reserve list - it occasionally happens!
Bluebell Club runs Fridays, 10.30-12 and 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 Tuesdays - Thursdays after school at Motcombe.
For more information see www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/learning
| |
Keep warm, enjoy the season for its comforts.
See you in the woods.
Sarah Wilesmith | |
|
www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk
07887 556336
www.facebook.com/cherrywoodadventures | |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
