Cool it Schools

This event in October 2009 involved 30 adults and children from in and around King's Lynn 'drawing' an enormous tree on the ground in the middle of Reffley Wood. Instead of paper and pencils, we used logs, sticks and leaves found in the wood. Regular monthly creative events are held in this semi-ancient woodland as part of a two year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and administered by The Woodland Trust who own the 129 acre site. Leading the events is local community artist, Nicola Marray-Woods. Other events have included making giant birds' nests, clay creatures which have been hidden around the wood, going on a bear hunt as well as monthly maintenance activities.

In addition to the monthly HLF funded events, Nicola also ran a series of informal play sessions for local schools in the wood; these were funded by WREN. The two classes who attended these after the 'tree' was drawn enthusiastically added to it, bringing the total number of participants to over 150.

The tree was not expected to last long but it remains undamaged four month later - despite snow, dogs and boisterous children!