We took the OneOak project to the general public during the three day Art, Design and a Taste of Summer craft fair at Blenheim Palace over the three day May Bank Holiday weekend.
Hundreds of people came to the stand to watch our film of the OneOak felling, to watch carvers from the Oxon & Bucks Branch of the British Woodcarving Association (Brian, Jeff and Liz), and to see original watercolours (Rebecca Hind), botanical drawings (Sarah Simblet) and photographs of the OneOak tree (Sam Scott-Hunter). Philip Koomen’s iconic Pondlife Bench attracted plenty of attention.
We really enjoyed talking to all who came to see us, especially the many discussions we had around the subject of sustainable woodland management. For some people found the idea of felling a 160 year old tree was challenging but when we discussed the ideas behind the project and the notion of bringing Britain’s woodlands into management, often opinions changed. Clearly the idea of using more locally-produced wood receives plenty of support but forestry, and foresters, need to work more on public communication.
We are extremely grateful to all the people who came to see us and joined with us in so many interesting discussions. It was great to see some of the children from our partner schools coming along with their families. We are especially grateful to those who supported use at the exhibition:
SYLVA CEO Gabriel Hemery is talking about the OneOak project on Saturday 15th May at 11am, at Philip Koomen’s workshop at Checkendon as part of Oxfordshire ArtWeek.
In his talk entitled The story of the One Oak, Gabriel will explain the inspirations behind the project and highlight stories that have emerged during its dramatic first year. Some of the OneOak residential artists will also be present, along with a chance for viewers to see some of Philip Koomen’s stunning furniture designs.
The OneOak project was launched publicly yesterday with the felling of the 160 year old oak tree.
Nick Baimbridge (tree feller) and Tudor Stone (tree surgeon)
hot chocolate kept guests warm
Peter Toaig and Garry Olson
chanting “cut it down” and excitement show on children’s faces
a child enjoys the day despite the rain and snow
Paul Orsi – Head Forester at Blenheim
Tree surgeon, Tudor Stone, removing the last branch
the felling of the OneOak tree begins
the freshly felled OneOak tree
More than 400 people braved the snow and sleet to walk into the wood on the Blenheim Estate. Two hundred and fifty primary school children displayed work that they had been doing under the project for other guests to see. Hot chocolate, brewed on an open fire, warmed cold fingers. Demonstrators showed guests how oak is cleaved to make roofing shingles, how charcoal is made, and how green wood is turned. The first product from the tree, firewood logs, was made by a local firewood merchant. Researchers from Forest Research decended on the felled tree to start weighing every branch and twig.
These and many more were just some of the highlights of the day. The felling of the OneOak tree was dramatic and touched every one watching in different ways.
We owe a huge thank you to everyone who supported us on the day, and to those who will continue to work with us in the project. Please come back here soon to see photos and video taken at the event today, to find out the results of the research, and to see how many beautiful things we can make from the OneOak tree.
Our work with schools under the OneOak project is now well underway. Supported by our partners Blenheim Palace and the Oxfordshire Forest School Service, some 300 children will be visiting the 160 year old tree growing on the Blenheim Estate. The tree is the focus for our new education project aiming to connect people with growing trees for wood.
Children from Bladon Primary learning about
woodlands and growing trees for wood
We are following the life story of one oak tree, working with children, researchers and future wood users.
We have launched a dedicated website for the project: www.OneOak.info.
It is great to see young people being provided such an interesting and stimulating opportunity to learn. I wish I had similar opportunities when I was at school. Teaching the message of the need for sustainable use of resources is such an important task and to do so in such an innovative way is very exciting.
A comment on the OneOak blog , September 2009.
The tree will be felled in January, watched by the children and our many partners. You can keep up to date with this project by following its dedicated blog.
