Tree Dressing Day

Tree Dressing Day Events

Tree Dressing Day is the first full weekend in December
More about Tree Dressing Days
See our media release (28 Nov 2007)

Are YOU holding an Tree Dressing Day Event ?
Contact info [at] commonground.org.uk to tell us about it.

Scroll down to see events in your area and
please check details before travelling
Common Ground is not the organiser of these events, and cannot be responsible for any alterations or cancellations.

 

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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Friday 30 November 2007 - Iver Nature Study Centre, Iver Heath SL10 0EB - come and celebrate the tree and choose one to dress, or just come and watch. The theme is Climate Change. Judging takes place at 12 noon. More information from Nigel Phillips on 01895 270730

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CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Milton Country Park, Cambridge - Tree Dressing with creative workshops from 11am designing artwork for the trees, creating lights for the path, a singing walk, lantern making, writing poems and ideas. There will be hot refreshments, dress warm and bring a torch. Free admission, disabled access, all welcome. 11am-dusk. Creative culmination from 3pm. Contact: 07748 108042 / 07970 888493

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DERBYSHIRE

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December 2007 - Calke Abbey (National Trust), Ticknall DE73 7LE - celebrate tree dressing day by following the outdoor tree trail. Children can make decorations and hang their wishes on the wishes tree. 11am - 3.30pm. And from 4.30pm - 7pm see the trail transformed by festive lights and lanterns. For more details contact: 01332 863822 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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DEVON

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Bishopsteignton - the old horsechestnut tree in the centre of the village will be dressed agan this year, and there will be a 12 days of Christmas Local Produce Market of 12 stalls to be held on the raised causeway opposite. All of the stalls have produce from the sea & moor that are either side of the parish. For further information contact: marilynb[at]europe.com

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Occombe Farm, Paignton - Make natural tree decorations and wreaths. Create your own natural decorations and join the musical procession to adorn Occombe’s amazing trees. 11am to 3pm, with musical procession at 2pm. Free admission. Contact Rachel Tapper, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, +44(0)1803 606035, or see www.countryside-trust.org.uk

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DORSET

Saturday 24 November 2007 - Lorton Meadows Wildlife Centre, Weymouth - make bird treats and dress the trees, plus games, arts and craft. No unaccompanied children. Refreshments provided. 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref SY674 827. BOOKING REQUIRED. Contact: 01305 816546

Sunday 2 December 2007 - The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum - come and celebrate and learn about the majesty and mystery of trees, from the ancient hedgerow to orchards, their importance not only to us but to wildlife too, by dressing one of Kingcombe's trees. Help create environmentally friendly decorations, using natural materials with your family and then finish the event by festooning a tree. Feel free to bring along any berries or interesting leaves you may be able to find to add to the decorations. 11am-2pm. Hot home-made lunches available afterwards. Contact: 01300 320684 or see www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

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DURHAM

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Bill Quay Community Farm, Hainingwood Terrace, Bill Quay, Gateshead NE10 0UE - Tree Dressing with messages in recycled bottle baubles. To join in bring a small, empty, clean, dry, clear plastic bottle to decorate and put a message in. Then hang it on our bird cherry tree. Tree Dressing is one of the many events this year celebrating Bill Quay Community Farm's 21st Birthday. Directions: Join Station Road from Shields Road (A185) in Bill Quay. Hainingwood Terrace is the second exit on the left. Event runs 1-3pm. Contact: 0191 433 5780

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Summerhill Visitor Centre, Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool TS25 4LL - Tree Dressing Walk around Summerhill followed by a craft session making decorations using natural objects. BOOKING REQUIRED. Contact: 01429 523419

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ESSEX

Sunday 25 November 2007 - Langdon Hills Country Park, One Tree Hill, Stanford-Le-Hope SS17 9NH - dress the 400 year old old pollarded oak tree and give thanks to the trees. Hands Around Morris dancers will dance a procession to the tree, and there will be hot mulled drinks, mince pies and jam tarts available. Workshops to make the decorations have been held in the month leading up to the event, creating a swarm of bees from drinks bottles and other recycled material. The tree will remain dressed until Twelfth Night. Meet 2pm in Beacon Car Park on Dry Street. Events runs until about 3.30pm. Free event, open to all. Contact: 01268 542066

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Claybury Wood, Redbridge - help decorate a tree in this beautiful ancient woodland. Join in with carols and mince pies! Meet at 1pm. inside gate in Ravensbourne Gdns opp. Warley Road. Free admission - suitable for all ages but access for pushchairs is limited. 1pm. For further info contact: Nature Conservation Team on 020 8501 1426 or see www.hainaultforest.co.uk

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December 2007 - RHS Hyde Hall, Rettenden, Chelmsford CM3 8ET - come along and make decorations to help dress one of the garden's trees, using natural materials found in the garden. This is a drop-in session so no need to book. 10.30am-2.30pm both days. Normal garden admission rates apply. Contact: 01245 400256 or see www.rhs.org.uk for further information.

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester CO2 - Tree Dressing, a family nature day. 2-4pm. Contact: 01206 738172

Sunday 9 December 2007 - Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking - join the rangers in celebrating the old custom of dressing trees for the winter by making decorations to dress the avenue of trees and brighten-up the park. Meet at the Lodge House, Longbridge Road entrance 2pm. Suitable for family groups. Booking required: Lydia 0208 595 4155

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Emersons Green, Bristol - Tree Dressing at 10.30am at one of Emersons Green's oldest trees, a magnificent veteran oak situated between the library and the Village Hall. Come and help make special sculptural hangings to adorn the tree.  The theme of the Tree Dressing event is 'Little Acorns', as the younger members of the community have helped make decorations for the event. View their display of 'giant' sculptural minibeast hangings made in a number of pre-event workshops with local preschool groups. The event also provides an opportunity to find out more about the local open space adjacent to the oak tree, which is one of South Gloucestershire Council's Wild Root project sites. There will be "in'tree'guing" discovery walks to help visitors discover the wild tree treats on their doorstep and find out more about a Friends Group to be formed to help wild the recent open space developed there. Emersons Green library will be running storytelling sessions at 10.30am and 2pm and there will be with tree walks starting from the oak tree throughout the day.  Tree dressing art activities will take place in the village hall next to the tree. Contact: Ruth Worsley of Avon Wildlife Trust on 0117 932 6885.

Sunday 9 December 2007 - Willsbridge Mill, near Bitton, Bristol - Tree Dressing Day with Avon Wildlife Trust 2-5pm. This event aims to be carbon neutral with all materials used being either natural materials sourced on site in the nature reserve or scrap items. The Wildlife Trsust want to go full cycle with wood and return used wooden items back to the tree! Visitors can transform discarded cricket bats, chair legs, and coat hangers into bird homes and bird feeders. The event culminates in a lantern lit procession and performance to dress the tree with the artworks created on the day. Throughout the afternoon there will be workshops to make lanterns, woodland animal masks, natural festive decorations and wreaths. There will also be a series of in’tree’guing tree walks to find out more about the fascinating wildlife on this urban fringe nature reserve and plans outlined in the new 5 year management plan for the nature reserve. The café will open for ‘treets’ including home made soup and tree fruit cakes. If you have anything at home or work made out of wood and with a bit of creative adjustment could become a tree dressing sculpture, then please bring it along with you to the event or deliver beforehand. The Tree Dressing project has been funded by the South Gloucestershire Environment Grant. Event runs 2-5pm. Directions: 6  miles from Bristol and Bath on local bus routes and within easy reach of the Bristol Bath Cycle Track. Visitor car park is signposted off the A431 in Longwell Green. Parking for visitors with a mobility impairment available at the centre, accessed straight off Willsbridge Hill. Contact: Ruth Worsley on 0117 932 6885 or see www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

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HAMPSHIRE

Wednesday 17 November & Saturday 1 December 2007 - Various venues around Havant - on 17 November make tree dressings at Havant Arts Centre and at Making Space in Havant,11am-12noon and 1-2pm. On 1st December there will be a Tree Dressing ceremony at Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB and at Havant Museum, 2pm at both venues. All events are FREE. Contact: Kerry Bailey 023 9245 3405

December 2007 - Baffins Pond, Portsmouth - tree decorations made with schools and community groups will be hung from trees in the park, with make-and-take workshops, singing seessions, storytelling and street theatre. For more information contact: Tamara Groen, Youth Arts Worker at 00Portsmouth City Council on 023 9283 4183 or see www.baffinspond.cwc.net

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HERTFORDSHIRE

Saturday 1st December 2007 - Blackbirds Moor near St Johns Church Hemel Hempstead - the Box Moor Trust will be celebrating Tree Dressing Day, making tree decorations from recycled materials and using them to decorate some of the trees on the moor. Also be looking at identifying trees and the many uses for wood and other tree produce. 1-3pm. Contact 01442 253300 for more information.

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KENT

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Shorne Wood Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3HX - make decorations for the trees at Shorne Wood Country Park as part of the Tree Dressing Day celebrations. £3 per child. BOOKING REQUIRED. Dogs on leads. Please wear suitable clothing. 12 noon-3pm. Contact : 08458 247247 or 01474 823800

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LANCASHIRE (including Manchester)

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Scorton Picnic Site (next to the River Wyre, 1 mile North of Scorton village) - Tree Dressing for families 11am-2pm. Contact: 01995 640557

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LINCOLNSHIRE

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 8PP- any child bringing bird feeding equipment such as feeders, fat balls, nuts, wild bird seed, bird boxes or even an unwanted bird table will be given free admission to the zoo where they will be assisted to dress a tree for the birds. A number of species of native birds visit the zoo and especially the Dinosaur Safari where there are over 13,000 trees and shrubs, many of them quite exotic. By dressing our trees in this manner, the birds can be helped to survive what we are told could be a very hard winter. Accompanying adults will be given 20% discount on their admission charge. From 10am. Further information from: 01253 830812

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, near Lincoln - join in Tree Dressing Day making decorations from recycled and natural materials. Contact: 01522 696926

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LONDON & MIDDLESEX

Sunday 4 November 2007 - Wimbledon Common - the Wildlife Watch Club for children meets on the 1st Sunday of each month, and in December they will be Tree Dressing and identifying trees. 10am-12 noon. For further information Contact: 020 8540 6154

Saturday 24 November - The TrEE Centre, Scadbury park, Chiselhurst - craft session celebrating the ancient tradition of tree dressing, making decorations inspired by nature to dress on the trees along the Acron Trail. A fun event for families. Please wear old Clothes. Led by BCP. Distance 0.5 miles. 11am-12noon. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Contact: Bromley Countryside & Parks Service on 01689 862815

Friday 30 November - Sunday 9 December 2007 - Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, London N6 5HG - Exhibition of school's Tree Dressing project which is open to the public, in Waterlow Park. Tree Dressing at Lauderdale House is a free schools project which runs throughout the year. This cross-curricular project leads to the creation of tree dressings) for each school's adopted tree. The Autumn project culminates in an exhibition day which is attended by the Mayor of Camden and the ten schools. The Park looks magnificent as the artwork is displayed in the trees. The project has been running for over eight years. For further information and to get involved in next year's project contact Romily Meredith, Arts Education Officer at Lauderdale House on 020 8348 8716. See www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk

Sunday 2 December 2007- Tower Hamlets Cemetary Park, Mile End, E1 - Tree planting and Tree Dressing Day with Trees For Cities. Celebrate trees, with the ancient tradition of tree dressing in this magical inner-city woodland. Plus planting, live music, refreshments, woodland crafts and children's entertainments. 11am-3pm. Contact: 0207 587 1320

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont TW14 8QA - come and try Tree Dressing, helping to decorate some of Bedfont's trees in bright colours to encourage the return of Spring. Meet outside the information office. 10am-2pm. £2 adults, £1.50 children. Contact: 01784 423556

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December 2007 - Corner 9, 9 Dalgarno Gardens W10 5LL (next to Little Wormwood Scrubs) - a Norway Maple tree outside the Corner 9 Arts Project will be dressed with fruits made form recycled materials. On Saturday 1st celebrations also mark the Project's 1st anniversary. There will be a puppet show, art & craft demonstrations, home-made cakes for sale and fortune-telling. 2-5pm, and stay on for the AGM at 5.30pm. See www.corner9.com

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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Daventry Country Park - Tree Dressing. The Friday before will be a special children's Tree Dressing Day involving local schools. Contact: Dewi Morris, Countryside Ranger on 01327 302485

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NORTHUMBERLAND

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Churchill Playing Fields, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear - all sections of the community have been invited to take part in producing something creative to hang on the Black Poplar tree in the park. Bring your decorations along to the park and watch tree surgeons scale the tree to hang them. A celebration of all the wonderful trees in the park to highlight the importance of looking after them. Refreshments, music and story telling in the afternoon. In the case of bad weather all items will be displayed in Churchill Pavilion and hung on the next fine day. Starts 1pm. Organised by the Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Gardens, Planting in the Park project. For more details contact: Jean on 0191 2511861 or allotnews[at]blueyonder.co.uk

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OXFORDSHIRE

Saturday 1 December 2007 - Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, Sutton Courtenay Road, Sutton Courtenay, Abingdon OX14 4TE - learn about the history and mythology of our prescious trees through trails, crafts and stories. The event will end with each family group producing a tree dressing that will be hung around the reserve for visitors to enjoy. All materials will be provided. Please bring packed lunch. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. No dogs please. 10am-2pm. £5 per family (2 adults, 2 children). Contact: 01235 862024

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Northmoor Trust, Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, Abingdon OX14 4QZ- Design and create decorations to hang on the trees on the Wittenham Clumps. All materials provided. Families £25, Friends families £20, includes entry to Project Timescape. 10am-12.30pm. Contact: 01865 407792 or see www.northmoortrust.co.uk

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SUFFOLK

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Needham Lake, Needham Market - come along and help dress a tree and make your own decorations. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Mill Meadow Car Park, Needham Lake. Cost: Children £2.50 (accompanying adults free). Contact: Mid Suffolk District Council Rangers on 01449 724633

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SURREY

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Morden Hall Park (National Trust), Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD - learn the ancient art of tree dressing. 11–3pm. Contact: 020 8545 6850

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SUSSEX

Sunday 2 December 2007 - Weald & Downland open Air Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester PO18 0EU - a festival of trees rooted in the Green Man legends of ancient times and the importance of natural objects to man. Visitors of all ages flock to join in with dancing, singing, fireside story telling, mummers plays ending with a lantern procession and spiral dance around a magnificent aspen tree as it is dressed with the lanterns. To join in with the lantern making workshop, don’t forget to bring a jam jar and a night light! Beginning at 12.30pm the celebrations last until about 4.30pm. Lantern making will finish around 3pm in time for the procession at 3.45pm. Mulled wine and mince pies available. 12.30-4.30pm. The museum is 7 Miles north of Chichester on the A286. Contact: 01243 811363 or see www.wealddown.co.uk

Saturday 8 December 2007 - Woods Mill, Henfield, nr Brighton - Tree Dressing with Sussex Wildlife Trust. A morning of fun making winter decorations for the great old oak tree plus some to take home. Sorry no dogs. Wheelchair access and disabled toilets. Adults £3, children £4, families £12. Event runs 11am-1pm. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Contact: 01273 497561 or see www.sussexwt.org.uk

Saturday 15 December 2007 - Stanmer Park, Brighton - Tree Dressing with Sussex Wildlife Trust. An afternoon of fun for all the family. Use natural materials to decorate the Stanmer Park cedar trees and listen to a wonderful wintery tale. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet outside Stanmer House, Stanmer Park, Brighton. Adults £3, children £4, families £12. Event runs 2.30-4.30pm. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Contact: 01273 497561 or see www.sussexwt.org.uk

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WORCESTERSHIRE

Saturday 24 November - Worcestershire Resource Exchange, Unit 9a, Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, Worcester (workshop). Saturday 24 November - Pump House, Gheluvelt Park, Worcester (workshop). Saturday 1 December - Gheluvelt Park, Worcester (Tree Dressing) - Tree Dressing is a chance to celebrate your local trees through art and culture. This year as well as the celebrations in Cripplegate Park, Gheluvelt Park intends to celebrate the magnificent Willow Tree in the Park Extension close to the river. This tree has been chosen because of its natural association with water and the importance of the watercourse running through the Park. The Friends of Gheluvelt Park and The Pump House Environment Centre are inviting people to join in with these celebrations by making their own decorations.  Preparation starts at the Worcestershire Resource Exchange on Saturday 24th November with a  craft activity from 11-12.30 and continue at the Pump House Environment Centre that afternoon from 2pm to 3.30, culminating with dressing the tree on Saturday 1st December meeting at the Pump House Environment Centre at 2pm. All children participating must be accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome!For further information contact: Anda Phillips 01905 734934 or see www.dwt.org.uk

 

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YORKSHIRE (including Bradford, Leeds & Sheffield)

Saturday 2 December 2007 - Grangetown Library, Birchington Avenue, Redcar & Cleveland TS6 7LP & Greystones Community Woodland - make decorations at Grangetown Library, then walk with one of the countryside officers to the nearby Greystones Community Woodland to hang the decorations on the trees there. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the walk to the woods, but all ages are welcome. Greystones Community Woodland is located between the eastern edge of Grangetown (on the outskirts of Middlesbrough) and the A1053. Postal district TS6.There are access points for local residents at the following areas: Mannion Park, Kingsley Road, Slater Road, Wilton Way, Blakey Walk, Roseberry Crescent and HuttoFurther information from: 01642 492253

Friday 31 November 20007 - Swarthmore Education Centre, 2 - 7 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, Yorkshire LS3 1AD - Tree Dressing the chestnut tree just outside Swarthmore. Starting at 12noon, open to all. The dressings have been made by students of Swarthmore Education Centre. Contact: 0113 243 2210 or see www.swarthmore.org.uk

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More about Tree Dressing Days