Blog

Long nights and colder days offer more opportunities to be creative in a cosy setting, possibly making Willow Christmas Angels). Why not get together to learn new skills with likeminded people in your community? The goal of the Rural Touring Scheme is to deliver art...

As the warmer season draws to an end we would like to share some of the project highlights we’ve been working on over the last few months with you. It wasn’t the warmest of summers but we surely made the most of the drier days.One of this summer’s highlights was the...

Although most garden work has to be put on hold for another few weeks, March is the time of year to create living willow structures for playgrounds and gardens as the clippings need to be planted in the dormant season. Once put in the ground the clippings quickly...

During dark winter hours we embrace any source of light to brighten up our lives. All over the country cultural hubs and sites are creating enlightening displays to put us into a festive mood. ‘Illuminating Ushaw: Land of Enchantment’ is a magical Christmas light...

  Hands-on experiences for mental well-being Being creative, and spending time outdoors, has a massive positive impact on mental well-being, for most. Many people don't get to spend enough time outdoors making things using one’s hands. The lack of fresh air and...

  Willow Sessions at Kirkleatham Walled Garden Kirkleatham Walled Garden reopened its gates to visitors last August after being closed for more than 30 years. The Grade II-listed garden was built in the 17th century and formed an integral part of the Turner...

. Celebrating Northumberland’s Trees When it comes to celebrating Northumberland's trees, we have one of the least charted areas in the UK. However, Northumberland has one of the most diverse and undisputedly resilient range of species to be found in the country....

Rising star - Shannon Berry Nature Check out a rising star in the coppice craft firmament - Shannon Berry (aka Shannon Berry Nature). Shannon Berry has previously trained with Ruth at Sylvan Skills and is now embarking on a programme of further training under the...

Hedley Hall Woodland Trust Last year Sylvan Skills was approached by the Hedley Hall Woodland Trust who wished to add several willow sculptures to one of their sites. Hedley Hall is an extensive woodland offering stunning wildflower meadows, ponds, and plenty of...

Miners Children The Woodland Trust commissioned Sylvan Skills to create two sculptures as a treat for walkers and visitors to Low Burnhall Woods in County Durham. As we had already installed a miner and his wife at the site a few years ago it made sense to complete...