Serenaded by gentle woodland music against a backdrop of bird-song… delighted giggles and laughter could be heard ringing throughout the sun-dappled canopy of Pearcelands Wood at Wakehurst this Bank holiday weekend.

Wild Wood which ran from 28-30 May offered some very real and exciting activities such as camping in the canopy, tree-climbing and stories under an oak tree. In addition, at Pearcelands there were bush-craft activities, an aerial runway, woodland crafts, chainsaw sculpture and working horses.

The smell of wood-smoke hung in the air in a clearing where hand-made double barrelled drone-flutes were being tried out for purchase and a ‘Green Man’ played the bag-pipes. Wakehurst’s Loder Valley Warden and resident charcoal burner was there demonstrating his craft whilst selling hand carved wooden stools outside a traditional charcoal burner’s hovel (home).

Pearcelands has its own amphitheatre in which professional performers put on a family show all about the wonders of the woodlandt. Under another canopy Ed Boxall told his story ‘Under the Old Oak Tree’.

“We’re delighted at the turn-out at this natural woodland event”, said Tony Sweeney, Director of Wakehurst.

“There was a lovely atmosphere and families really seemed to be enjoying themselves whilst actively participating in a range of engaging events and demonstrations. I particularly enjoyed meeting some of the traditional crafts makers and learning about their trades, but if I’d have had the chance I would have loved to have been on the aerial walkway and abseiling up the beautiful tree that was such a perfect shape for tree-climbing!”