Tree huggers unite!
Magic, folklore and wood combine in Sherwood Pines Forest Park on Saturday 14 July to create an unmissable event for people who keep barking up the wrong tree.The Forestry Commission's 1,200 hectare beauty spot, near Clipstone, Notts, is home to over 1.5 million trees and will be the venue for an event to shed light on trees great and small, from their identification to their weird and wonderful uses.
A few centuries ago it was common knowledge that waving a stick of Rowan wood saw off troublesome witches, while miscreants were flogged with birch because the tree was thought to drive off evil spirits - i.e. birched. These days we may have forgotten the magic, but often still use the words emptied of their original meaning.
“Trees are totally fascinating in their own right, but their place in myth, literature and daily life will all be explored,” said event leader Patrick Harding. “Alder is a lovely tree, but few know that when it is turned into charcoal it provides a key ingredient for explosives. And how many types of wood were used in old fashioned wagon wheels? The answer is three, oak, ash and elm, all employed for their specific qualities. And if you know your trees, you'll be able to track down fungi much better as the two are very often closely linked. There’s a lot more to trees than meets the eye.”
The event runs between 11am and 3.30pm and costs £25. Booking is required on 01623 821459 or by emailing karina.thornton@forestry.gov.uk Suitable for adults and youngsters over 12 years old.
For further information go to www.forestry.gov.uk/EastMidlands
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