The weather was perfect for the launch lunch on the 7th.
Thanks to Helen for the fabulous cake and Judith for the edible flowers.
Guests were shown round the different areas of the wood to introduce them to the idea of Permaculture and demonstrate the biodiverse habitats in the Forest garden.
Great ideas were generated for our first official open day on Saturday 17rd June.
The first swarm of the year arrived on a small hawthorn between the orchard and Tom’s Pumpkins on 12th May.
Seen walking in an orderly fashion into their new nucleus home.
A request came in April about any spare beeswax to make food wraps.
It was great to be able to help out with a really rewarding few hours cutting small squares, painting on the wax/oil mix and drying the fabric.
Having practiced a few recipes, times and temperatures got some final success; ready for a mini course in the Spring next year when we will be harvesting more wax.
The wraps actually work, and came in useful making snacks for the local circular walks organised by the National Forest Company.
Richard gave us an evening treat on the the 16th showing us some 500 year old trees at Brankley Pastures. A glimpse into what the original Needwood forest looked like?
Thanks to Jane too for the Jackson Bank walk on the 19th, some evidence still of the “Doris Day” gale.
Lots to do, so if you can spare an hour or so, guides and tea makers always wanted or if you want to find out about one of our many other projects, please get in touch.
We are taking part in a Citizen Science from soil to soil project organised by the University of Dundee www.futurelearn.com