Children at Smallwood Manor Preparatory School have created a ‘willow wonderland’ in their school grounds.
With the help of Living Willow experts, Greenwood Days, the youngsters have created a special domed area and a series of tunnels which will be used as an outdoor classroom and exciting play area.
Cut willow is renowned for its ability to strike roots and grow from seemingly ‘dead’ wood. In fact, the willow is dormant and by harnessing these properties Greenwood Days is able to create an array of beautiful structures that offer natural shade from Living Willow.
During the winter months, dormant willow stems, which are not in leaf, are planted at an angle, then carefully woven together to form the desired shape and structure. The willow will then root and in spring leaves grow allowing final structure blends naturally into the surrounding habitat.
Greenwood Days has worked with the pupils at Smallwood Manor to form a large dome. Creating the structure has helped teach the pupils about growing and cultivating plants as well as traditional weaving skills. They will also continue to be involved in maintaining the structure as it grows because new growth will need to be weaved back in.
Once established, the school will use the Living Willow structure as a classroom and for story telling, whilst the youngsters themselves will love playing in and around the dome and tunnels during break times.
“For centuries, willow was used for everything from weaving baskets and fish traps to making fencing and hedgerows, but today these practices have all but died out. At Greenwood Days we are working to educate people about Living Willow and re-encourage its use,” explained Peter Wood from Greenwood Days.
“Living Willow is an environmentally friendly way to create unusual and attractive shaded areas, which lend themselves perfectly for play and classroom areas.
“The Living Willow structure is a wonderful addition to Smallwood Manor,” added head teacher Mike Harrison. “We encourage our youngsters to play outside and this will be perfect for them to hide in and chase each other through.”
“We also try to teach the youngsters outside wherever possible and the natural shade this will provide will create the perfect outdoor classroom.”
Tue 16th Feb 2010
