Oaks and Shires returns to Yorks Wood Local Nature Reserve in Kingshurst this month, finishing with a family day on Saturday 23 October, from 11am to 3pm.
The four-day event, which focuses on local woodlands and wildlife, supports the sustainable management of council-owned woodlands. During the first three days of the event, groups of local school children will learn more about their local environment.
At the end of the week, on Saturday 23 October, Oaks and Shires opens to the public. During the open day, local families can take part in traditional woodland crafts, including willow weaving and pole lathing. Visitors will also see a heavy horse at work dragging timber out of the woodland whilst minimising damage to plants, a method known as horse-logging.
Visitors are invited to plant snowdrop bulbs in Yorks Wood, with Solihull Conservation Volunteers leading several planting sessions throughout the open day.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing, said:
“I’m delighted that Oaks and Shires is returning to Solihull this October. The woodland open day is a great opportunity for local families to explore one of the borough’s ancient green spaces and helps youngsters understand the need to treasure our local environment.
“Sustainable practices are key to tackling climate change, and Oaks and Shires explains how and why we need to manage our woodlands for the future benefit of both people and wildlife. It’s also a free, fun family day out!”
Several partner organisations will be in attendance, including Solihull Conservation Volunteers, Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership, Solihull Tree Wardens and Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust.
Picture shows a heavy horse for the Oaks and Shires event in 2015, taken by Derek Churchard.