The Wombwell Woods Take Over event was developed in line with our ‘Art of the Dearne’ project, which will be delivered across the next four years as part of the work of the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership. ‘Art of the Dearne’ focuses on using the arts as a tool of positive and creative community engagement, in which Wombwell Woods Take Over formed the first pilot event.

Wombwell Woods is a semi-ancient woodland believed to date back to the 16th Century, and provided an ideal location for the Take Over event. This woodland environment is rich in wildlife and steeped in history, with an abundance of opportunities to explore and uncover its natural beauty.

As the first day of the event, Saturday saw an Art Invasion of the historic woodland, with activities and workshops based deep within the enchanted woodscape. A camp homestead was created, along with the construction of a forest theatre ready for a captivating evening performance using hand made shadow puppets. The first day also incorporated a number of themed activities, including instrument making, pewter casting, woodland art and mini-bug hunts. There was also the chance to gather around the campfire for story telling and marshmallow roasting, keeping spirits high and visitors warm as the weather took a cold and wet turn.

On the second day of the event activities were to be found located just outside Wombwell Woods itself, with sunshine and blue skies greeting us for the final day. Families were welcomed with a teddy bear picnic and Latin band, creating relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There remained an abundance of things to see and do with activities including themed and guided woodland walks, exploring the wildlife of the woods, the creation of bird and butterfly feeders and the opportunity to create woodland art with one of the local artists from Responsible Fishing , using natural finds as we explored the woodland and its carpet of bluebells.

Despite some poor weather during the weekend there was a fantastic turnout overall and it was great to meet and speak to the 253 visitors who participated in the range of activities on offer. We received some really positive feedback and were happy to see so many people thoroughly enjoying their time spent in the woods with us.