Woolen Wood is taking shape in Whitehead

Keen knitters and novices alike came to Lighthouse Yarns, in the seaside town, to take part in a series of woolly workshops.

Participants were knitting, crocheting, and finger knitting wonderful creations which will be installed in Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead, this summer.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Voluntary Arts and Lighthouse Yarns are working together on the ‘Woollen Woods’ initiative.

Alison Diver, MEA Natural Communities Outreach officer, said: “At the workshop on Saturday there was amazing talent on display.

“Sarah Anthony, who works at Lighthouse Yarns, had yarn bombed an entire bicycle and the children were crocheting spider webs and flowers.”

Woollen Woods is an outdoor art installation featuring hundreds of woodland-themed artworks which have been created by local schools, knitting groups and individuals all over Northern Ireland.

There are five Woollen Woods in the United Kingdom and Diamond Jubilee Wood will be the first in the province.

The signature theme for Whitehead’s Woollen Wood is the apple blossom, however, the project is open to wider interpretation.

Alison added: “Talented knitters from across the country have been sending in their contributions which include knitted apples, mushrooms, flowers and animals.

“This is a fantastic project which brings the arts and the environment together and we are pleased that so many local schools and knitting groups have gotten involved.”

The Diamond Jubilee Wood now contains over 60,000 trees including a fruit tree orchard, 2km of paths, a 1,000 square meter pond, wildflower meadows, a picnic area, outdoor gym equipment and a sculpture designed by a local artist and school children.

All the woollen creations will be up on display at the grand opening of the Woollen Wood on May 16 at Diamond Jubilee Wood. The free family fun event with arts, crafts, environmental activities and festivities will take place between 1.00pm and 5.00pm.