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Sawmill Site Project
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Ecclesall Woods Sawmill
The aim is to develop the site in ways that will link it back to the heritage of the woodland and produce sustainable products from Sheffield timber.
The site returned to Sheffield City Council control in January 2006, since then a number of improvements have been made:
- Site Clean Up – we have undertaken a major clean up, improving the health and safety of the buildings
- Eco-Loo – an award winning composting toilet has been built
- New Signs - have been installed on Abbey Lane
- Woodchip Energy - woodchips from the site have been used to supply a new woodchip boiler that will be used to heat Sheffield Homes flats in the Gleadless Valley
- Woodland products - several old street trees that had to be felled in the Norton area have been made into solid woodland benches and sculptures
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Gallery
A unique gallery of wood inspired products displaying the work of local artists and crafts people has opened in the new timber framed building called Working Woodlands Gallery. Open 6 days a week Tuesday to Sunday (and Bank Holidays) and featuring a rolling programme of exhibitions:
- 20th March - 4th May 2009 - 'Power of Three' featuring the work of three local talented sculptors
- 8th May - 21st June 2009 - 'Come sit with me' featuring a range of inspirational seating made by local craftspeople and artists
- 26th June - 16th August 2009 - 'Alive' an exhibition inspired by nature
- 9th October - 22nd November 2009 - 'Fruitfulness' a celebration of orchard fruits
- 27th November - 22nd December 2009 - 'Deck the Halls' handmade wooden Christmas decorations
Contact Working Woodlands on 0114 235 6511 or email info@woodlandgallery.co.uk
Visitor Facilities
There is a car park, toilets (including disabled access), and a visitor information point is situated in the new gallery building.
Events
A range of public events are held on the site, including:
APRIL
- Bean Pole Event - Celebrating the humble hazel beanpole. The event aims to inspire gardeners to buy sustainability. With guided woodland walks, Willow Workshops, planting tips, supports and hand crafted gardening tools for sale in the Gallery.
APRIL/MAY
- Open Up Sheffield - As part of the Sheffield wide art event, Lorraine Botterill and Lea Torp-Neilsen, sculptors, 'Open Up' their onsite workshop to the public. Drop in any time during the two weekends.
- Bluebell Time at Ecclesall Sawmill - The Sawmill is an excellent gateway into the woodlands, with parking and a disabled toilet, this natural display is stunning and well worth the trip!
JUNE
- Woodland Photography - In conjunction with the Working Woodlands Gallery and the 2nd Nature project, an introduction to photography in Ecclesall Woods. Digital camera's supplied and the results of the day will be displayed in the gallery as part of their 'Alive' exhibition.
AUGUST
- 2nd Naure 'Play in the Woods' - (Tuesdays during August) Drop in sessions for children accompanied by an adult. Woodland related arts and craft activities.
SEPTEMBER
- FSC Friday at Ecclesall Sawmill - Find out about the work of the Forest Stewardship Company in Sheffield Woodlands, with fun competitions and trails.
OCTOBER
- Gathering Winter Fuel - Wood burning - your questions answered! Stoves, logs, alternative fuels. Axe demonstrations and much more!
Woodland Adventure Club
The Woodland Adventure Club is held on Saturdays, Sundays and during school holidays from 10.00am - 4.00pm.
For adults and young people ( under 12's must be accompanied by an adult), adventures include:
- Green wood working
- Fire making and field cooking
- Pole lathe/shave horse
- Bread oven
Develop new skills, techniques and confidence for £5 per person per hour - come along for as long or as little as you like!
Contact Kenny Comain at Kenny@social-forestry.co.uk
Themed holiday care for 8 to 11 year olds. £30 a day.
Booking essential call Elly on 07904 962 902.
Archimedes Social Forestry are based at Ecclesall Sawmill and run a variety of courses and adventurous woodland activities for adults and children. The woodland facilities are superb and include camp cooking facilities, an area of safe enclosed woodland to 'play' in, den making and heritage crafts.
Ambitious plans are underway to further develop the Ecclesall Woods Sawmill site.
For more information about the Sawmill contact:
Sarah Chapman on 0114 235 6348 or Ted Talbot on 0114 250 0500 or email sarah.chapman@sheffield.gov.uk
Other Useful Links
Downloads
Further information on the plans to regenerate Ecclesall Woods Sawmill (4.59 MB)
Further information on the plans to regenerate Ecclesall Woods Sawmill (4.76 MB)
Further information on the plans to regenerate Ecclesall Woods Sawmill (1.27 MB)
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