Woodland Open Day

Over 100 people visited Birkmere Woodland near Blencow last Sunday for Branch Out’s first open day. Family groups and local people from around the area collected a map on arrival and explored the woodland, visiting different areas where various activities were on offer. 

Penrith and District Red Squirrel group had a stall at the entrance. Visitors could find out about red squirrel conservation through talking to the ranger, Mick Garvey who supports the red squirrels in Birkmere, and buy items to support the charity. Also near the woodland entrance, the Woodland Sauna Tent, was set up for people to view. Although not up and running on the day, the woodland sauna will be available to book soon.

Simon Whalley, of the Wilder Clay Gallery in Penrith and a Director of the Eden Valley Artist Network, set up EVAN’s shepherd’s hut ‘ASH’ as a wildlife hide for the day. Simon explains, 'ASH is a mobile stage, meeting space and wildlife hide. EVAN is collaborating with Branch Out to create wildlife viewing opportunities'. Visitors could step inside, sit quietly and view birds from one of the three windows, recording species they saw over five minute periods. 

EdenVentures, who run holiday clubs in Birkmere, were stationed at The Gruffalo Wood, where visitors could make seed bombs, magic wands and relax in the hammocks. Jessie from ‘The Feel Good Festival’ ran the campfire café, serving hot drinks round the campfire at Spruce Corner camp. The Branch Out team led some campfire cooking at Birch Basecamp, toasting marshmallows and cinnamon apples on sticks, with mud kitchen play, hammocks and leaf hammer printing available too. 

Helen Evans, of Branch Out said, ‘We were so pleased to welcome people of all ages to the woods on Sunday. Our sessions are usually pre-booked school or community groups, so it was new to open the woods for anyone to come along and see what we do. It was a great success, so we plan to hold an Autumn Open Day on Sunday 18th October.’ For more information about Branch Out, to book a session or get involved with volunteering, visit www.branchouteducation.co.uk