Autumn adventures and winter warmers Autumn inspiration The chestnuts are ripening, the blackberries are harvested and stored as syrup and blackberry ice cream... These little rituals remind me of the perpetual circles in nature and ground me in these days of uncertainty. It's easy to begin to think that there is nothing much we can do to overcome the challenges in the world. But that's not true - this summer showed the power of imagination and determination for a group of children and adults, when, in three weeks, we sourced a site, designed, scavenged, recycled and built a new learning space. "The Nest" is a perfect example of thinking sustainably, working with brilliant architects CAUKIN who aided and inspired the children to make their dreams a reality. Take a look at the Facebook post for the whole story. There's a great book called "A world worth imagining" , written by a Canadian forest school teacher who, realising the worries of the children she taught, reminds us that if you can imagine a world of wildlife friendly spaces, low impact buildings, less waste and happier people - you can create it. We did. AUTUMN EVENTS Woodland fungi Tuesday 12 Oct & Sunday 17 Oct, 11am - 2pm Explore the fascinating folklore and science of fungi, in this gentle amble in the ancient wood. Learn how to identify the many different types of fungi, how they grow, their characteristics and uses. Discover how the toadstool gets its spots! Look out for a Nut Disco, Dead Moll's Fingers, Amethyst Deceivers and Elf Cups. Enjoy a seasonal lunch cooked on the wood stove, by Philippa Vine of the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen, served under the canopy of the beech tree, warmed by the braziers, browsing the books. £45 per person Bluebell Wood, Arlington Room on the broom Friday 29 October 3-4.15pm Act out the family favourite then fly through the wood on your own broomstick! Fill up the cauldron to make a potion to help you make a truly magnificent broom. £9 per child aged 2-9 Bluebell Wood, Arlington WINTER EVENTS Wreath workshop Saturday 4 Dec 11 - 2 Start with a warming drink and a festive nibble, then wander the winter woods for greenery and berries. Gather round the braziers in the woods to create your own gorgeous advent wreath. Enjoy a warming lunch cooked by Philippa of Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen . £45 per person aged 14 to adult Stick Man Friday 17 December 10.30-12 or 12.45-2.15 Tell the story of the lost stick as we walk through the winter woods. Gather twigs to light the fire, toast fruit buns and make hot chocolate before making your own stick man to take home. £9 per child aged 2-9 Bluebell Wood, Arlington Winter warmer Sunday 13 February 2-4pm Family fire event, learning fire lighting skills and techniques, and making acorn cup candles. Our fire will warm us and allow us to cook pancakes and other goodies. £12 / child aged 5+, £5 / adult Puddingham Wood, Folkington Dino day Friday 18 February 10.30-12 Follow the footprints to find the dinosaurs hiding in the woods! Examine fossils and learn where to find them on the Downs. Make a dinosaur swamp for the creatures to play in and create your own fossil to take home. £9 per child aged 2-9 Bluebell Wood, Arlington The Nest workshops Watch out for occasional events at The Nest at Wilmington, where we will be enhancing the area for wildlife and learning woodworking skills. To book, email
[email protected] love where you live - LONGBRIDGE The Nest is a workspace that has developed from my involvement with Longbridge - a project that connects farming, wildlife, education and work in a regenerative and inspirational way. I'm so proud to be part of it! Longbridge is rooted in the landscape from which it takes its name. This old “hundred” of Sussex, formed of five parishes from Arlington to Litlington, holds the elements of the Longbridge project. Iconic downland grazed by the sheep and ponies, soils perfect for growing barley for the Long Man brewery, ancient woodland and fields for exploring and teaching, characteristic buildings to house the businesses which draw inspiration from the character of this corner of Sussex. There will be opportunities to learn more about the farming, be part of the connectivity with cycle routes and local businesses, and help create more wildlife friendly areas. Imagine it - create it - live it. Fantastic. The new academic year means goodbye to some of my children from Nature Adventures and Bluebell Club. I am happy to think I have inspired them to continue an interest in nature and all things wild. All the groups - toddler, after school and home ed - are currently fully booked but places do come up occasionally. You can check out the learning opportunities here . I have been working Philippa Vine of the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen to offer bespoke events at the Bluebell Wood, with time in the woods with me to explore, learn, create or just relax; with a meal created by Philippa from local, seasonal fare, enjoyed under the canopies as you're warmed by braziers. Contact me for more info - full details on the website very soon. Be inspired. See you in the woods and fields! Sarah www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk 07887 556336 www.facebook.com/cherrywoodadventures
