55. Tree Dressing

Whatever the weather, rain, cold or snow, children and their families were invited to create an annually themed object such as bees and birds; one year it was dreamcatchers. The Ranger led a group walk from Beacon Field down the track through Coombe Wood to the majestic Pollarded Oak. This tree has grown for four hundred years and on this day played host to the event where the creations were attached to ropes suspended from the branches. The ropes were manoeuvred by park staff and helpers safely positioned in the tree above. Hot drinks and pies were served by volunteers nearby. The local Morris dancers displayed their traditional dances, ending with everyone present joining in a huge circle, dancing and singing around the great tree. 

 

When the music ended, all made their way back up the track – homeward bound. 

The beautiful dreamcatchers were left blowing in the tree’s boughs, to be enjoyed by those who passed by.

 

Tree dressing is no more. 

Langdon Hills Country Park is still a good place to be. 

Long may it be. 

Story writer/provider
Bob Rigden

Flag Designer
Bob Rigden

Painter(s)
Kinetika Artists

Landscape Character Area
Langdon Hills and Farmland