This article is from page 28 of the 2007-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
SUMMER arrived with a bang last week and it was the perfect weath- er for getting out an about in the woods.
And the people who turned up for the workshops run by CELT – the Centre for Environmental Living and Training – were down in the woods to learn almost forgotten skills which can still be put to good use.
The east Clare-based national en- vironmental charity had a big line-up of traditional skills training courses on offer for their Weekend in the Woods event.
Qualified and professional tutors were on hand with courses in every- thing from basket weaving to natural oluunCenbanen
Eager students got to try their hands at wood carving, blacksmith- ing, greenwood-furniture making, gate-hurdle making, silversmithing, dry-stone and lime-mortar_ wall- ing, tipi making, sugan chair mak- ing, thatching, leather shoe making, bushcraft, felt-making, coppersmith- ing and learning herb lore.
Youngsters under 14 got stuck in too and had a go at various wood- vA
“These skills have been around for
centuries, yet have taken on a new relevance in today’s world with the threat of increasing oil prices and the effects of climate change,’ a spokes- man for CELT said.
“Also, for many people, this is a great opportunity to connect with nature as well as learning a new skill and meeting people from all walks of life and all corners of Ireland, and usually a good few overseas visi- Key ace
Almost on hundred participants turned out and more than a few lo- cal people took advantage of the good weather to come and admire the work.
The workshops were held in Bealkelly Wood in Tuamgraney, Bealkelly is a sustainably managed native Oak woodland by the shore of Lough Derg. The event was being partly subsidised by funding from the Heritage Council. CELT runs regular educational and environmen- tal events. Further information 1s available from the website at www. celtnet.org, email info@celtnet.org or telephone 061-640765.