THE National Trust will use this year’s annual Greenwood Fair to highlight the importance of trees, their management and traditional wood related skills that are in danger of dying out.
The conservation charity says the family friendly event at Sizergh Castle near Kendal on Saturday 6 October brings together organisations, experts and volunteers to share their love of trees, and working with wood, with visitors.
“Through lots of hands-on activities and knowledge sharing we hope to interest people in how woods are managed and the skills and crafts involved” explained Gemma Wren, organiser and Countryside Manager for the National Trust.
“Some of these skills are in danger of being lost forever according to the Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) who produces a Red List of endangered crafts” added Gemma.
Demonstrations of traditional woodland skills like hurdle and charcoal making, wood turning and spoon making are taking place alongside bow making and timber milling. Those attending can have a go at log splitting, creating witches brooms as well as whittling wood to produce Gypsy flowers.
The activities cover the harvesting of this sustainable resource, through to the many different end uses of wood.
Other expert led activities include a walk with a lichenologist looking at the tiny life, or lichens, that trees support; Cumbria Woodlands give an insight into woodland management and a small team from the Women’s Institute orchard group explain their role in looking after local fruit trees.
Other fun things for children include tree climbing with National Trust woodland rangers.
Gemma Wren said: “Many of the features that we love about our countryside are reliant on traditional crafts and woodland management skills which we are in danger of losing. We’re delighted that so many skilled crafts people, experts and volunteers are joining us to showcase their talents and passion. Whether you want to learn more about trees, woodland crafts or anything to do with woodlands, this event provides answers and inspiration.
The National Trust’s Greenwood Fair at Sizergh Castle near Kendal takes place on Saturday 6 October between 10am and 4pm. Admission includes access to the café, Castle, gardens and grounds.
For more information or visit the National Trust’s Greenwood Fair web page
