Willow Bird Feeder
Natural and sustainable
Workshop Details
Workshop Overview
This new workshop will enable you to make a contemporary willow bird feeder for your garden. You will also learn how to make the template that you will be using to start your ‘basket’ and we will even include a recipe for fat balls, so that you can keep feathered wildlife happy through to the spring months when food is more plentiful. Basketmaking is a heritage crafts and in this workshop, you will be using sustainable willow that has been hand-picked from our own willow beds. This workshop will also make a wonderful gift experience if you are looking to buy a present for someone special.
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-3.jpg)
What You Will Learn
![Willow Bird Feeder slider Willow Bird Feeder slider](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-SLider-3.jpg)
During this workshop, you will:
- Discuss the sustainability of willow as a natural material for basketmaking;
- Discuss the way in which willow is prepared correctly for your bird feeder project;
- Work safely in the workshop environment;
- Examines ways to make a template/forma to work from for a willow bird feeder;
- Discuss the tools required and the importance of safe practice when using them;
- Select willow rods for specific purposes relating to your willow bird feeder;
- Use weaving strokes, including waling and pairing;
- Create a simple border for your willow bird feeder;
- Create a simple handle for your willow bird feeder;
- Discuss recipes that can be used to make fat balls that can be used in your finished bird feeder; and
- Discuss the care of your willow bird feeder so that it provides many years of use for your feathered friends.
What You Take Home
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-1.jpg)
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-11.jpg)
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-8.jpg)
At the end of this workshop, you will take home your own beautifully hand crafted willow bird feeder and a certificate of completion.
Important Details
The Rural Skills Centre will provide:
- All materials and equipment to make your willow bird feeder;
- Tea/Coffee and lots of cake;
- Parking; and
- Accessible facilities.
Suitability
![Suitable for beginners Suitable for Beginners Icon](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Suitable-for-beginners.png)
This Willow Bird Feeder Workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in basketry/willow work and wants to create something that attracts wildlife to their garden. It is particularly suited to beginners.
Schedule
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-6.jpg)
Time | Activity |
---|---|
10:00 | Tea and biscuits on arrival, registration and welcome |
10:15 | Discussion on health and safety |
10:30 | Introduction to basic tools and equipment |
10:45 | Select willow and use a forma to make basic shape |
11:15 | Tea and cake |
11:30 | Pairing and adjusting tension to achieve shape |
12:00 | Create a border and handle |
13:00 | Workshop finishes |
![Willow Bird Feeder Willow Bird Feeder](https://ruralskillscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bird-Feeder-1.jpg)
Tutors
This workshop is taught by Gill from the Rural Skills Centre.