If you go down to the woods today ....

..... you're in for a big surprise.  

There's a great project going on at the moment called the Woollen Woods, lead by Cumbria-based arts organisation Eden Arts. Launched last year, Canopy is a visual art project showcasing artwork in the area's trees and woodlands.  Their plans culminated in a giant art exhibition in the woodland of the Lake District's Acorn Bank - a beautiful National Trust property - using decorations created and donated by knitters, crocheters, felters and other craft lovers.

This year the plan is to create an installation in the grounds of Sizergh Castle, another stunning National Trust property. 

And you can get involved.  Work shops are popping up all over the place in Cumbria so beginners can learn how to wet-felt and make their own acorns.  And you can find out more about the project and download patterns and an entry form.  Click here for more details.

And of course, if you want your little 'un to be among the trendsetters you can't go wrong with one of our acorn hats - perfect for woodlands and tying in perfectly with the National Trust emblem.  Click here to buy.

Or perhaps you'd prefer something for yourself.  A tea-cosy perhaps?  More details can be found on our website.

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Day trips - All at Sea with Poole Sea Safari

If you fancy a little adventure, what better than a high speed ride on a rib around Dorset's Jurassic Coast?

There are loads of these types of trips on offer but this one from Poole Sea Safari is great value in our opinion.

Where else can you cover 185 million years in 90 minutes?  Whereas a lot of other trips seem to be just about the thrill of the ride, Poole Sea Safari appears to cover more mileage and give you a bit more about what you're seeing too.  

All images (c) Poole Sea Safari

Cruising out of Poole Harbour, you'll pass Brownsea Island and Sandbanks before picking up speed as you fly past Old Harry Rocks and on towards Swanage Bay.

And back on dry land, you'll feel you've earned yourself an ice-cream or bag of chips!

Days Out - Bluebell woods

It may be a little early but this is the time of year when bluebells should be carpeting woods with their ultraviolet colours.

Having lived in Marlborough for several years I was spoilt by the local West Woods and enjoyed many early morning walks, midday picnics and evening strolls amongst these flowers contrasting beautifully with the vibrant green beech leaves.

The Woodland Trust have a great website with suggestions of woods around the country and list their top ten.

Ashridge Estate in Buckingham;         Calke Abbey, Derbyshire;

Garston Woods, Dorset;                    Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire;

Burroughs Wood, Leicestershire;       The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire;

Hardcastle Crags W Yorkshire;           Glen Finglas, Trossachs National Park;

Coed Cefn, Powys;                          Carnmoney Hill, County Antrim.

And for other suggestions try the National Trust, Woodland Trust or RSPB.

Day trips - 50 things to do outdoors

Climbing trees, building dens and flying kites were all once common childhood pleasures.  And each year the National Trust put together a list of 50 things kids should try before they're 11 and three quarters.  

How many have you done?

Climb a tree

Go fishing

Roll down a hill

Build a den

Fly a kite

Walk in the rain (and jump in puddles!)

Hunt for fossils.

Self Indulgence - Driving through Tree Avenue, Kingston Lacy, Dorset

© Graham Hobbs 

Although I don't miss commuting to work everyday, I did use to enjoy the most amazing short journey to work.

The ever changing scenery of the tree lined road running alongside Badbury Rings, near Kingston Lacy never  fails to impress.

The stunning light in the early morning

© Peter Hulance

The brilliant green heralding spring

© Graham Hobbs

The low sun casting long golden shadows on the journey home

© ntprints.com

And the ethereal blanket of snow in the winter.

© Blake Photography