‘We thought we were going to this place to “be taught things” but it hasnt been like that. We have all just gelled and got on with it - more like a collaboration’ Kadija
Collaboration and co-operation are fundamental to the Coppice Co-op (the clues in the name!) - and we are chuffed that this ethos has come across strongly in our latest Woodland Engagement Project. This autumn we have been sharing the woods with a fantastic group that are based around Accrington Train Station. Stations of Welcome are a station adoption group comprised mostly of British Muslim women of South East Asian Origin. Our woodland workshop in Silverdale has been a lively spot - full of conversation, crafting, cups of tea around the fire and the delicious smells of food mingled with woodsmoke.
Fire cooking, greenwood crafts and nature connection were the three strongest themes to emerge from the project. Sharing food - preparation, cooking and of course eating - is always a great way to connect with people and develop a sense of community, as well as fostering cultural exchange. Initially the Coppice Co-op provided ingredients and recipes to cook on the fire, but it wasn't long before the group brought along their own recipes and special jars of spices. From fried polenta to daal and naan, with welsh cakes, foraged jam, and chai to accompany, we all worked together to create our woodland feasts. It was also heartwarming to hear how cooking and socialising around a fire brought up fond memories of times spent with their families, back in the day, in Pakistan.
With all the cooking going on it seemed like making spatulas was the right thing to do! After a few sessions spent getting the basics of cleaving and shaping with froe and drawknife, the team made some great spatulas. Green woodworking is such a pleasurable activity that the list of projects grew and grew… Although we didn't have time to do everything… we did manage to make mallets, woven willow plant obelisks, hazel hurdles and prayer beads in just a few short sessions.
The woods at Silverhelme provided us with shelter, learning, and plenty of inspiration. The fascinating limestone rock formations and terraces create a multitude of dingles and dells that are perfect for quiet contemplation or prayer. The dominant species in the woodland is yew -along with a real mixture of other native trees. Although this type of woodland can be found fairly frequently in the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, it is nationally quite rare, and has a unique, soulful character. We made sure that we set aside some time for solo exploring - then we regrouped around the campfire to discuss the plants we had observed, how woodlands can be cared for and managed well, and how it feels to spend quality time in the woods.
And before we knew it… it was time to head back to Silverdale station to catch the return train. Northern trains and Community Rail Lancashire provided free train travel for the group and the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape provided funding through their Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme. A key goal of the project is to facilitate and encourage visits to the National Landscape from under-represented audiences. And using sustainable transport is a total winner as well. Our ongoing aim is to foster long term connections between Stations of Welcome (and their friends and families) and the Landscape in which we work. We already have plans to visit Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, and we're sure that there will be plenty more occasions to share nourishment around the fire.
Words by Sam Ansell photos by Andrew Groves