A Living Walkway

Willow constructing at Millennium Green training courtesy of the National Trust Gap Project with Catch 22 and Positive Futures.

Thanks to Mandy's great idea and joint organising with Dee, and Alf Dimock's environmental training skills a small group, in a beautiful setting under blue skies surrounded by bird song and butterflies created a living walkway - from a few strips of willow, one year's growth which is about 10 -12 ft long (the fastest growing tree)  and a couple of rubber bicycle inner tubes; a group of around 16 volunteers and just 4 hours.

A mathematically challenging feat, because we chose to erect it over a wet path, as willows absorb vast amounts of water so have the ability to dry up areas, that stands in full sunshine but was on a sharp bend. 

We calculated a 1 (inside of path bend) :  2 (outside of path bend) ratio of willow frame stakes which were bent to meet each other and joined to create a series of arched frames.  After weaving a lattice formation, to give added strength, we tied in 2 parallel spines along the tunnel top.    

The result an attractive and very robust structure which will grow its own roof and sides over the next 12 months.  With a little trimming periodically this will produce an interesting interactive feature which will by enjoyed by all ages and hopefully heights!

A great day, a great lesson. 

Now we have the know how... if you have the will we can find a way to build something in our park.    This would need to be done between October and March time, allowing time to source materials and funding.  Contact me if feel this would be a good activity and you would like to take part.   info.foknp@gmail.com