Cardiff: a treasure trove of natural resources
Green woodworking uses wood freshly felled from the tree. Unlike with the traditional form of the craft, the wood is not dried, and is therefore softer, and can easily be cleaved along the grain of the fibres. The wood will then harden and shrink over time.
The Riverside Community Group sources all its wood locally. Lewis Mottram, who uses the facilities frequently, explained, “Wood has come from Bute park [courtesy of Keep Wales Tidy], and a variety of other sources, usually related to allotments. Some has come from garden clearances and some from the hedge round Pontcanna allotments. People let us know if they see a tree or branch down, or if they know of timber that may be of use.”
The woodwork group are joining forces with another local organisation who harvest Cardiff for its natural resources. Orchard Cardiff map fruit trees around the city, and they are organising a cider making workshop where the cider press will be put to the test.
Visit Cardiff Transition for all local sustainability-related events.
It was broken tools that originally provided the inspiration for the green woodworking space established at the Riverside Community Garden last spring.
The group was set up by a group of regular volunteers to remedy the damage caused by amateur community gardeners whose work perhaps exhibits more gusto than experience. Since these practical beginnings, they have expanded in scope and creativity, carving cutlery, percussion beaters for a gamelan orchestra, candleholders and even a cider press.
The group has recently organised a constitution so that they are able to apply for grants to expand the available facilities.
Equipment, tea and biscuits are provided by the allotment in exchange for the service that the group provides. Occasional willow weaving and beekeeping workshops also use the space.
Cardiff: a treasure trove of natural resources
Green woodworking uses wood freshly felled from the tree. Unlike with the traditional form of the craft, the wood is not dried, and is therefore softer, and can easily be cleaved along the grain of the fibres. The wood will then harden and shrink over time.
The Riverside Community Group sources all its wood locally. Lewis Mottram, who uses the facilities frequently, explained, “Wood has come from Bute park [courtesy of Keep Wales Tidy], and a variety of other sources, usually related to allotments. Some has come from garden clearances and some from the hedge round Pontcanna allotments. People let us know if they see a tree or branch down, or if they know of timber that may be of use.”
The woodwork group are joining forces with another local organisation who harvest Cardiff for its natural resources. Orchard Cardiff map fruit trees around the city, and they are organising a cider making workshop where the cider press will be put to the test.
Visit Cardiff Transition for all local sustainability-related events.