Forthcoming Events

Roundhouse yet again!

We may well have secured the services of a reliable thatcher this time and so this much anticipated event will take place soon. Watch this space!

Guided Walks

Over the year we run a series of guided walks and events. In the past we have had seasonal spring, summer and autumn walks, invertebrate walks (butterflies and dragonflies etc), glowworms, owls and bats, dawn chorus and many others. Similar and bespoke events can be laid on for Friends and other groups so give the warden a call to discuss how we might help.

Roundhouse

A few pic's of one of the previous gatherings to harvest straw, set out the "ring", construct and erect the roof, repair etc this structure and the after-event "do":-

The signs says"men" but there were just as many women and children, as it should be!

Will it stay up / won't it? .............................................................................................................Success!

Iron Age'ish Roundhouse

Thatching event - June or July 2007. We now have a new set of enthusiastic thatchers on board so we will be organising, probably over a couple of weekends, the straw thatching of the roof. Come and learn this traditional craft, on a structure design which has been around thousands of years. This will be run as a training event so there will be a small charge. Call Stephen to book. We shall, as usual, lay on a barbecue.

Survival Event

Summer 2007. Date tbc. We have managed to persuade a professional instructor to come and lay on a brief course. You wil learn how to start a fire, build the basic shelter, consider water and other demands of survival, and pit yourself against the wild beasts and fierce climate of Foxcombe Woods. Call Stephen to book. We shall, as usual, lay on a barbecue (you won't necessarily be required to eat bush tucker"!).

Past Events

Iron Age'ish Roundhouse

Come and help repair the roof, weave new roof withies and generally prepare the structure for the thatchers later in the summer. Call Stephen to book. We shall, as usual, lay on a barbecue.

Easter 2007

MAKE YOUR OWN POLE-LATHE
With Greenwood workers and cabinet maker Paul Hodgson

19, 20 March 2005

The Pole-lathe is an essential component of the greenwood worker’s equipment. With the use of a foot-operated treadle and a springy branch or bungee, the greenwood worker can turn any unseasoned timber into a range of useful and beautiful items, from chairs to baseball bats, giving him the satisfaction of working close to nature and also with it in an environmentally sustainable way.

During this course, aspiring greenwood workers will make a pole-lathe of his/her own which can easily be dissembled and taken home in the car.

Time: Saturday 10-4, Sunday 9-3

Venue: Carterton Community College, West Oxfordshire

Cost of tuition and venue hire: £40 for the weekend
Cost of materials extra: £70

Places are limited: If you are interested, please let us know as soon as possible, as there is a strict cut-off date in deciding if the course will go ahead. Deadline: 21st February.

Enquiries and bookings: Contact Nicola Williamson at the Rural Crafts Network office on 07795037870 (please leave a message) or email nwilliamson@cfbt-hq.org.uk