Springwatch Wild Day Out in Sandwell Valley

Yesterday I enjoyed a busy day in the Black Country demonstrating the pole lathe and 'have a go' sessions at the Springwatch Wild Day Out in Sandwell Valley. The purpose of the day was to promote biodiversity through a range of 'hands-on' nature based activities to people of all ages. It was very busy all day on my stand with 2 lathes going and 2 shave horses on hand. Quite a few kids came back for a second go after walking around the site.





Organized by Sandwell MBC, BBC and Natural
England, we had Larry Jones making hazel hurdles, Tamzin making willow weaving, Jo Callaghan doing art with the kids inspired by nature, Granville Reeves making besoms, Dave Jackson making Gypsy Flowers, Peter Harmer chainsaw carving, Doug Joiner with heavy horses, Sherwood Keogh making cleft Oak fencing, gates and hurdles. Jacqui Parkes with her milking and cheesemaking demo, Toby Allen and Aly May with their vintage pailing machine, then me on the pole lathes. Around the outside of the site were marquees with local nature groups and activities to encourage and inspire the public to get involved.

 Here are a few snaps from the day!