Willow Coppicing & Festive Crafts @Hyndburn’s Nature Reserves

The Hyndburn's Nature Reserves project has had a busy past few weeks! The HNR VOLS have been coppicing willow trees that are encroaching on to the path above Pleck Meadow. The trees were traditionally coppiced which will encourage new growth that is perfect for crafting.

These woodland edges are too densely overgrown with willow which is creating dark and damp conditions, making it unfavourable for woodland flora. They also have a habit of leaning and falling on to the path, so coppicing these willow is good for site users and for wildlife! Some willow was also collected from Jackhouse Nature Reserve, which was encroaching on the meadow bordering the lodge. Volunteers bundled up the willow stems to be used in festive crafts, primarily wreath making!

The project held 3 natural wreath-making workshops and engaged with over 50 people over the past couple weeks to make festive wreaths, including with the Cambridge St Ladies Group and St Christopher’s Eco Group. This produced some beautiful wreathes, perfect to celebrate the festive season! Participants were taught about the conservation ongoing at Hyndburn's Nature Reserves and how to make a completely natural wreath, free of plastic, that could be put directly into the compost bin after the season is done. The evergreen foliage was also harvested from local green spaces, in areas that were getting too dense with growth. Evergreen trees can block out too much light, starving low-growing woodland flora. So cutting them back will also encourage a more varied woodland floor!

Want to get involved with conservation or crafting activities? Robert hosts volunteer sessions every Monday & Wednesday, which sometimes produces materials for crafting workshops. Contact robert.gabryszak@prospectsfoundation.org.uk to find out how to get involved.