Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers headed to Tegg’s Nose Country Park for their very last session of 2019. One of the most popular fixtures in the group’s calendar, the Tree Dressing meeting (and Silly Hat Competition) celebrates the end of National Tree Week and the importance of trees and woodland to birds, people and wildlife.
Families headed into the woods in mild and sunny weather conditions providing an exceptional setting with the autumn leaves highlighted in golden sunshine. After choosing a suitable tree to work on, Wildlife Explorers created ephemeral sculptures using clay and natural materials gathered from the woodland. All the materials used will weather and degrade over time with minimal impact on the environment. When the creations were complete the whole group did a tour of each other’s artwork. The gallery of woodland art was inspired by the natural world, mythology and even popular culture with creations that ranged from Christmas Robins to woodland toadstools, owls and elephants. Leaves, twigs and berries were used to great artistic effect.
Silly hats were in abundance and parents and children alike joined in the fun. The winner of the Silly Hat Competition was Megan Hollingsworth with her gorgeous take on a Christmas decorated hat. At the end of the session everyone was treated to festive refreshments.
Tree Dressing has become an annual fixture in the Wildlife Explorers calendar and gives the group an opportunity to celebrate the festive season in a wonderful natural location.
Our volunteer Leader team would like to wish all of our members, their families and our community supporters a Merry Christmas and a very safe, prosperous and Happy New Year.
Wildlife Explorers return after the Christmas break in January with meetings to coincide with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch campaign. Keep up-to-date with Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers online at www.wildlifeexplorersmacc.co.uk , on Twitter @Maccwildlife or Facebook.
