Despite some cold spells during winter at Woodmill, work continued with traditional crafts and activities:
Hazel coppiced from a neighbour at Hadley End was used for hurdles.
As planned the poly-tunnel was an asset for early sowings and projects during wet spells.
It was also used in February as part of the practical for the course “working in the environment” organised by the company Community Forest Service.
The Community Bloom Group continued to grow seasonal crops, also planting winter bedding for some colour.
Trees given to FH by the Conservation Volunteers under the “Idigtrees” project were planted at Woodmill, and a native hedge was planted as a partnership project with Transition Lichfield at the Three-Tree Corner in the festival garden with permission from the Lichfield City Council.
Many groups used Forest Harvest during the year with painting and material workshops.
A new group celebrated the Summer solstice and the Autumn Equinox.
Forest Bathing at Woodmill doesn’t have to be an energetic walk, with a Lichfield group we were able to use all our senses to connect with nature from a place of comfort sitting down.
Gardening-for-All is possible with all our raised beds.
It was good to continue the ecotherapy sessions for Burton Mind, expanding the courses to include some craft work used in bad weather. The improvement in participants well-being is so rewarding.
Thanks go to the Burton Conservation Volunteers who spent a fabulous day working on hedges, building insect piles and erecting a second life hut at our Woodmill Site near Yoxall.
Whatever the human facilities at Forest Harvest we never take for granted the wildlife enjoyed by all our visitors.
Thank you to everyone who has visited Forest Harvest in 2023.