9th April 2009

Woodland Crafts Weekend

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 all 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 annual event, to help visitors find out more about the crafts and tools that were once used for traditional 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 a traditional split rung ladder. Amongst other things there will be a traditional pole lathe in operation and it is hoped that a charcoal burner will be on site.

Whilst you are at exhibition do leave some time to wander round Rowhill 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 – there may even be some bluebells! Listen to the bird song and see if you can tell the difference between the call of the  Green Woodpecker  and the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Open to all Rowhill Nature Reserve Centre is located off Cranmore Lane, Aldershot GU11 3BD, 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.

More about Rowhill >>>

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership,
Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 21.