A WILLOW weaving workshop is offering the chance to get creative in the great outdoors.
Nature Makers Cheshire is hosting the event on Saturday, June 6, from 10.30am to 12.30pm in Rod's Secret Garden in Northwich.
Led by artist Robyn Mosely, the session will guide participants through creating a willow swallow sculpture in a relaxed garden setting.
Tickets, which cost £20 per person and include materials and refreshments, are available at nature-makers.uk/cheshire-mid-chester or by contacting Robyn: Robyn@nature-makers.co.uk.
The workshop is open to anyone aged 14 and over, with no prior experience needed.
Children aged 14 and above can attend for free if accompanied by a paying adult to work together on a sculpture.
Three years ago, the Dane Valley Community Orchard in Rudheath planted a willow coppice thanks to funding from the Chester Zoo Wildlife Recovery Fund.
Cynthia Moore, who helped to launch the orchard project in 2012, explained how the willow is put to use each year.
Each spring the willow 'whips' are harvested by volunteers, bundled, and collected by local schools and community groups.
Cynthia said: "They use the thinner pieces for weaving and the thicker stems for planting into the ground.
"It sprouts easily and can be woven into living constructions such as arches and domes.
"Willow drinks up a lot of water, so it's great for land that is prone to flooding or for stabilising eroding river banks."
Cynthia added the choice of a swallow for the workshop held particular meaning for the community.
She said: "We sometimes see swallows flying over the orchard.
"This beautiful bird is under threat so it's a particularly special choice for this craft workshop."
Volunteer sessions take place at the orchard on the first and third Monday of each month from 11am to 3pm.
Led by Pete Attwood from Groundwork, the sessions offer hands-on experience in fruit tree care and maintaining willow structures.
Details are available on the Dane Valley Community Orchard Facebook page and the Sustainable Northwich website.
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