18th April 2005

Enjoy a Crafty Weekend

From hay rakes and hazel hurdles, woodcarvings and willow, to billhooks and pole lathes… if you would like to find out more about the crafts and tools associated with traditional woodland management, make a note in your diary and come to a Coppice Tool & Craft Exhibition at Rowhill Nature Reserve, Aldershot on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May.

willow arbour at Rowhill Members of the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society have organised the exhibition, which will show a selection of tools used in coppice crafts and woodland management – including 12 different styles of billhook. There will also be an opportunity to see craftsmen at work making items such as hazel hurdles and wooden rake in the traditional manner.

Willow can be transformed into all kinds of ‘living’ sculptures and Rowhill are inviting helpers to come along on Sunday to help build a willow igloo just outside the centre; a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to find out some of the tricks required for willow weaving. On Monday a different set of crafts will be demonstrated when, amongst other things, visitors can discover the intricacies of using a pole lathe and see a woodcarver in action. bluebells

If you come to the exhibition leave some time to wander round the Reserve’s 55 acres. Spring is the best time to see the woodland flowers, including wood sorrel, wood anemone, lesser celandine, wood spurge as well as the always popular bluebells.

The exhibition is open to all and is held in Rowhill Nature Reserve Centre, located off Cranmore Lane, Aldershot, by the junction of the A325. The Centre is open on both days from 10am to 4.30pm, admission is free and light refreshments will be available. For more information ring 01252 319749 or 01252 331353.

This event is part of the ‘Discover the Blackwater Valley 2005 Programme’ collated by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and designed to encourage residents within the Blackwater Valley area to learn more about the countryside on their doorstep. For a copy of the programme ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

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

NOTES

Rowhill Nature Reserve lies on the Surrey/Hampshire borders. Owned by Rushmoor Borough Council it is managed by the Rowhill Nature Reserve Society. Covering 55 acres, it consists of mixed woodland, a four-acre meadow, ponds, streams, a bog around the source of the River Blackwater, about eight acres of heathland and some native conifers., This very diverse habitat supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. More about Rowhill
The Blackater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.