Blog

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...

Weaving willow sculptures The cold winter months won’t stop us from weaving willow sculptures. We just wrap up in extra warm clothing and drink hot tea as most of our work is done outside or in spaces with minimal heating. This year Sylvan Skills had to face...

Maxine Hall had special plans for the centenary celebration of Halls of Heddon, which has nurseries at Ovington and Heddon-on-the-Wall. She wanted to create a joyful eye-catcher for their annual display at the Harrogate Flower Show. This was to compliment the abundant...

The summer holidays are always a busy time for Sylvan Skills. It is usually good weather for outdoor activities and people have time to enjoy their gardens, improve their outside spaces and learn new skills. This year we also taught a series of willow weaving...

Creating outdoor classrooms and the perfect outdoor learning space depends on the needs of the school or nursery, children and teachers. Over the years Sylvan Skills has helped to develop many educational outdoor areas. We have built hazel and living willow structures...

St Aidan's School in Teams, Gateshead asked Sylvan Skills to help develop their outdoor area. It has been transformed into different zones, including a fire pit, a large castle surrounding a central tree,...

Spring is coming and with it the longing to spend more time outdoors. Trees are starting to bud and birds are returning from their winter quarters. People are beginning to tidy up their gardens, preparing the soil for early plants like peas and mangetouts. We now want...