What’s on?

What’s On?
Archery: Unleash your inner Robin Hood and try your hand at this most historic of sports. The Archers of the East Riding will make sure you know your bosses from your fletchings! Will you be on target?
Chainsaw carving: Watch in awe as the brutal strength of a chainsaw is harnessed to create stunning art. Our carvers will be working on wood sourced from right here in the arboretum.
Chair caning: A chance to see a demonstration of this fascinating craft using cane, rushes and seagrass.
Coracle making & rides: These craft have been around since pre-Roman times. Watch Dave Purvis build a coracle and explain their design and uses, then have a go and paddle out onto the arboretum lake (11yrs +) or in the pool (0-10 yrs).
Falconry: York Falconry will have a static display of Harris Hawks and Saker & Lanner Falcons. Have your picture taken with one of these beautiful creatures or even hold one! There’ll be the opportunity to see them in flight during a display at 2pm each day.
Heavy-horse logging: This practice dates back 10,000 years and is currently enjoying a revival thanks to its eco-friendly credentials. Watch as Chris Wadsworth puts Ouragan through his paces deep in the trees.
Paper-making: Niki Hampson of Pulpitations brings this exquisite artform to the arboretum as she uses leaves and bark to add texture and colour to paper that can be as delicate as lace, or strong and pliable. Have a go, or buy a kit and try it at home!
Pole-lathe turning & charcoal burning: The Flying Shavings team will be working hard turning green wood on their foot-operated pole-lathe & running a charcoal burn throughout the festival. You can even buy a bag of arboretum-produced charcoal to use on your own BBQ!
Story-telling: Eco-storyteller Nettlefoot Kate shares tales and legends of trees and forest-dwellers - both human and supernatural. Join her in the storytelling tent on the hour or on a story walk around the arboretum (12 noon & 2pm) to find out where they might be hiding.
Tours of the arboretum: We’ve laid on a range of short (~30 mins) tours to introduce you to the wonders of the arboretum. Tours run throughout each day – just call at The Arboretum Trust tour desk inside the main marquee (marked “M” on the map) to join a tour.
Tree climbing: Get a bird’s eye view of Wild About Wood! Climb one of the arboretum trees in the safe hands of the Askham Bryan College experts, or stay on terra firma and watch the pro’s at work
Watercolour painting: Susan Neale, acclaimed artist and art teacher, will be painting views of the arboretum and chatting about her work. She’s also running half-hour sessions where you can learn how to paint a tree and unlock your creative talents! Please book your place directly with Susan. Sessions are at 1pm for 14 years +, and at 3pm for 0 - 13yrs.
Willow weaving & hurdle making: Watch demonstrations of these intricate practical arts, learn about coppicing or go with the creative flow and make a hazel flower to take home.
Discovery Zone - Education and fun for all the familly
Exhibitors - Showing their arts and crafts