We are pleased to announce our new willow maze is now open to the public!
Ward Jackson primary school came along last Friday for a a sneak preview. They all managed to find their way through the tunnels, into the willow wigwam and out again!
Children from Ward Jackson Primary with our field teachers, listening to the sounds of nature inside the willow wig-wam.
It has taken 2 ½ years of hard work by Saltholme's team of dedicated reserve staff and volunteers. The maze is made from a type of willow called common osier, the same kind of plant which is used for basket weaving. Willow is a great material to use because it grows quite quickly, and is very flexible so can be woven into living fences, tunnels and even wigwams. Once the rods have been planted they should keep growing, so as well as providing a fun structure for kids to play in, it will provide shelter for all kinds of birds and wildlife.
Before and After – Saltholme volunteers at the first stage of planting, and ready to go Peter and a family finding their way through the tunnels.
Special thanks to Peter Langham, one of our volunteers and fellow blogger, who has played a key role in helping design, plant and tend to the maze.
The willow maze is a great addition to our adventure playground. Earlier in the year we installed an underground badger sett, which has been a real hit with the kids!
Children and parents from Ward Jackson Primary in Hartlepool finding their way through the maze
As the summer holidays get off to a sunny start, our maze is great way for kids to burn off some energy before they take part in lots of fun activities to help them learn about wildlife.
So come along and get lost at Saltholme!
-Liz