A day of making, building and testing out for parents and kids, part of Studio in the Woods 2010 at New Barn Farm, Isle of Wight
Could you build a den which can withstand the huff and the puff of the Big Bad Wolf? Could you make a house that the wood-creatures and wild things want to live in at the base of the Faraway Tree? Could you cook up a feast on a camp fire, track a wild boar or create a nest that can keep eggs safe?
To find out, come join us at A Day in the Woods with demonstrations, story-telling and a fireside feast for all the family to enjoy.
Come and explore:
Big Bad Wolf Camp
Build a den, large or small. A hideaway or a gang hut. Use logs and tree bases, bendy branches, leaves and maybe some twine. How many people can you fit inside? How dark can you make it? Can the Big Bad Wolf Blow it down?
The Faraway Tree
What sort of houses do wood-creatures and wild things live in? Come and find out how to make a secret dwelling in miniature from treasures of the forest: moss, twigs, stones and little bit of magic...
Adventure Island
Wood-elves need bits and bobs and furniture for their houses. They have shown us some woodland crafts to share with you. Visit the woodland library and share some stories and songs, old or new.
Also: Award Ceremony
Can you win a woodland rosette? Woodland Tours to see what else is being built in the woods (watch out for wild architects and engineers). Learn to cook Fairy Bread on the campfire, it's hot and delicious!
Children must be accompanied by a carer at all times please. Children should be aged 5-10. Older or younger siblings welcome. Bring a small bag or basket to collect material. Dress as a fairy folk if you wish, but we will be getting messy. If its wet bring waterproofs. We will be outside all day.
Lunch will be provided. Please let us know any special requirements, dietary or otherwise when booking. Toilets and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
The Forestry Commission actively encourage den building, large and small. Den building allows children, and adults, to explore the natural world and use their imaginations. And it’s fun.
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About the tutors
Esther McKinney is an Architect. She will be camping in the woods with her family. She believes the woods are full of secrets and likes to sing round the campfire. Her favourite food is anything eaten outdoors. Her favourite shoes are her boots which are twenty years old and still going strong. She has naturally curly hair. Esther has recently completed a Play Leading course with the Play Association of Tower Hamlets.
Jo Lucas is an engineer and project manager. She is generally to be found with her nose in a book - the more magical the better. Jo loves tramping through woods and she secretely wants to live in the Faraway Tree. She is the youngest of seven children, has fourteen nephews and nieces and two fairies of her very own.
Kat Davis loves to daydream and if she were to have a super power, she would like to be able to fly. She is a Part II Architect who specialises in working with communities, making their neighbourhoods better places to live, work and play in. She has run many creative workshops in schools and with organisations such as Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Kat also likes to take photos (especially when out exploring!), the smell of freshly cut grass and singing with her friends.
