1st May 2009

Woodland Craft Weekend

Rake tines So what’s a billhook for? Are hazel hurdles complicated to make? How do you make the tines for a traditional wooden hay rake? In fact do you know what tines are?

Find out the answers to these questions and more at a Woodland Craft Weekend to be held at Rowhill Nature Reserve, Aldershot on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May.

Members of the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society have organised the exhibition, which will help you find out more about the crafts and tools that were once used for traditional
Hazel hurdle & rake woodland management. Some of the crafts
are still in use today and over the weekend there will be an opportunity to see craftsmen at work making items such as hazel hurdles and wooden rakes in the traditional manner.
It is hoped to have a charcoal burner at the site on Sunday filling the container so that it can burn overnight to be opened on the Monday.

Whilst you’re at Rowhill do leave some time
to wander round the Nature Reserve’s 55 acres. There are a number of different trails you can follow and spring is the best time to wander through the woodland and see the flowers, look out for wood sorrel, wood anemone, violets and wood spurge, to name just a few – and the bluebells are said to be looking pretty good! Listen out for bird song and see if you can tell the difference
between the call of a Green Woodpecker
and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Come along any time over the weekend and bring the family. If you don’t fancy walking round the reserve you can always stay in
the centre and have a cup of tea. billhooks
Rowhill Nature Reserve is located off Cranmore Lane, Aldershot by the junction of the A325. The Field Centre is open on both days from 10.30am to 4.30pm, admission is free and light refreshments will be available. For more information ring 01252 319749.

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.

More about Rowhill Nature Reserve >>>