Pine carving day
17 August 2010
Whittle your time away at the ancient bog pine carving day at Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve
On Sunday 29 August, Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales and the British Woodcarvers Association are holding a ‘hands-on’ prehistoric bog-pine woodcarving day at Fenn’s Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve, near Whitchurch and Wrexham.
People of all ages and all woodcarving abilities, from experts to total beginners, are welcome on the free event, which will start at 11 am and run until 3.30 pm. The day will be led by experts David Gerty and Rosa Ford of the British Woodcarvers Association.
After an introduction to woodcarving and the tools that will be used, the group will then have a short guided walk onto the Mosses to collect some of the prehistoric bog pines, which have been left exposed to the elements by previous peat cutting.
The walk will follow the history of trees in the Whixall landscape over the last 12,000 years since the last glaciation, and how they have responded to climate change. The same climate change probably was responsible for the famous human sacrifices which have been found in Whixall Moss. And the importance of the bog for present ecosystem services and in combatting climate change to help all of our futures will be highlighted.
Back at the workshop each member of the group will then carry out their own pine carving and produce something to take home.
Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager Joan Daniels said, “Woodcarving is absolutely gripping for everyone through from seven year olds to pensioners, everyone gets totally engrossed and most people stay way over finishing time!”
Visitors should come with old clothing, wellies and waterproofs, a packed lunch and lots of imagination.
Events are free but booking is essential. For further information and to reserve a place for the day please contact Caroline Dahn on 0300 060 0583 or e-mail caroline.dahn@naturalengland.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes for editors
There are 225 National Nature Reserves in England and they offer ideal opportunities for observing birds and wildlife.
Some operate restricted or seasonal access, so check before you travel.
National Nature Reserves were initially established to protect sensitive features and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research. Their purpose has widened since those early days and now, as well as managing some of our most pristine habitats, our rarest species and our most significant geology, most NNRs offer great opportunities to the public as well as schools and specialist audiences to experience England’s natural heritage.
If you would like more information about this event or others on your local National Nature Reserves visit www.naturalengland.org.uk
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
- We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
- We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
- We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
- We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
- We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
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