Guest Blog by Swinton Bivouac
From Woodland School and Yoga in the woods, to Orienteering and Foraging Courses around the Druid’s Temple, to learning to Stone Carve and Weave Willow in the craft tent – this is a day out that offers a variety of woodland activities and countryside crafts for all ages along with guided walks around the Swinton Estate.
The day starts and finishes at Swinton Bivouac near Masham, from where walkers are free to roam on the Estate Trails (with or without a guide), with activities running all day in the woodland and also at the Bivouac café and ArtisOn craft tent.
Entry: £10/car
Additional charges apply to guided sessions, advance booking strongly recommended.
Activities taking place over the 2 day event include:
Walking & hiking – including a 15 mile all day guided hike that takes in the huge expanse of the Swinton Estate moorland and views over the reservoirs, with lunch at the Bothy and a visit to the Leeds Pals memorial along the way.
Woodland School – Children enjoy supervised play and exploration in the woodland around Druid’s Temple, learning some countryside skills along the way (suitable for ages 5-11yrs).
Orienteering – master the art of navigation without a phone with Mountain Leader Graeme Tiffany.
Woodland Yoga – peaceful space in the Druid’s Woodland for a yoga session to heighten your senses and invigorate you.
Foraging – join Chris Bax to see what wealth of food there is that’s growing all around us.
Forest Bathing – soak up the atmosphere with a series of exercises and activities to help you be more mindful of the forest. This will help reduce stress, balance your mood and improve your sense of wellness.
Falconry Displays – flying displays from the Swinton Birds of Prey team twice a day at the Café Bistro.
Mountain Biking – spin around our 8km mountain bike track, routes available for varying abilities.
Swinton Bivouac’s Cafe Bistro – all-day BBQ and live music.
Craft Activities – let the creativity flow with crafts for children.
Wildwatch Activities – supporters of the festival and will be attending over the weekend with displays and activities based on the Wildwatch survey that has been taking place on the Swinton Estate for several years.
Have a go at a Potter’s Wheel – if you’ve always wanted to get your hands on some clay, throw a bowl on the ArtisOn potter’s wheel.
Have a go at Stone Carving – get a taste of traditional stone carving with one of ArtisOn’s stone carving addicts.
Willow Weaving Taster – Join ArtisOn willow sculptor Jess Wilkinson and try your hand at some small-scale willow weaving.
– Willow Flowers
– Willow Deer Decorations
– Willow Plant Supports
Woodland-Inspired Flameless Tealight Lanterns – join ArtisOn’s Sue Palin and make a pair of fabric or paper covered lanterns inspired by the woodland.
Creating Landscape Art in the steps of Andy Goldsworthy – join ArtisOn tutor Ian Scott Massie to make your own mini-sculptures in and from the landscape.
For more information please visit our website.
