Countryside craft sessions to be held at Swartha Wood, Silsden (From Craven Herald)

Countryside craft sessions to be held at Swartha Wood, Silsden

8:00am Sunday 27th January 2013 in News

Countryside craft sessions are to be held in ancient woodland above Silsden.

People will be able to learn a range of traditional skills as part of a project to improve Swartha Wood.

The sessions will be run by the Forest of Bradford charity to encourage Silsden people to help with the long-term care of the woods and will include "green" wood working skills such as wood turning, woodland management and a botanical survey.

The project – funded through a £49,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s “Your Heritage” programme – is also supporting local people to research the history of the woods and its importance to Silsden’s industry and people.

Jen Miles, the project co-ordinator, said members of Silsden Local History Group were investigating maps, archives and newspaper clippings.

Hothfield Junior School in Silsden has also got involved in the project and volunteers from Santander spent a day improving an entrance to the wood, which is owned by Mary and John Spencer, who live in nearby Swartha.

Jen said: “We want volunteers to get involved with the path clearance and maintenance. Ultimately we want to set up a Friends group.”

To get involved contact Jen on (01274) 487270 or jen.miles@beat.org.uk.