Starting out as a weekend where a band of committed volunteers gave their time and toil for the planting of trees, The Plantinghas become more than a working-bee. The joyful activity of planting trees and being in the outdoors vies with the programme of talks, presentations and performances. Dig a little deeper than the everyday and…
After the success of this year’s event, Woodfordia Inc. has confirmed The Planting festival will return in 2018. The 3-day event will be held next year from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th May Originally started more than 20 years ago as a working bee to rejuvenate the site of the Woodford Folk Festival, The Planting…
World renowned truffle expert Professor James (Jim) Trappe recently visited Woodfordia, home to The Planting Festival and the Woodford Folk Festival, to share some of his extensive knowledge of what he calls the ‘unsung heroes of the forest’: fungi, including truffles. WHAT ARE TRUFFLES? You might know truffles better as an expensive delicacy found on restaurant menus, but…
While we try to avoid superlatives when describing the activities and events that take place at Woodfordia, the word ‘inspiring’ springs up not infrequently. So when author and social provocateur Helen Razer found her talk It Doesn’t Start With You at The Planting had been described as inspirational, she worked quickly to dispel that idea. “I don’t…
She’s been described as the protégée of famed science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and astrophysics PhD student Jessica Bloom was certainly one of the shining stars of The Planting this year. As well as separating science fiction from science fact by delving into faster than space light travel and colliding black holes during her onstage…
In a first for The Planting, this year Julian Grigg and I lead two Myco-Restoration Workshops, teaching festivillians how to use fungi to restore a damaged ecosystem. We had a great turnout and a lot of fun. The ecological role of fungi is an important one, particularly because of the magic of fungal mycelium; the threadlike…
You will find wonder in the world we create at Woodfordia, and every day will be extraordinary. Camping for the duration of The Planting Festival is by far the best way to immerse yourself in the festivities. Camping gives you the opportunity to explore Woodfordia, knowing as you participate in the day’s activities your home…
First there is knowledge and awareness; then a change in personal consciousness, followed by inspiration to action. The talks programmed at this year’s festival is full of inspiring, honest, hopeful and mindful experts in their field. Ask questions, network, share knowledge and experience talks and discussions on a range of different topics. This year’s talks…
Hidden amongst the foliage of Woodfordia lies the Artisan Camp, awaiting the arrival of excited travellers ready to unleash their creative energy. Most excited of all is our community of Giant Puppets. If you have come along to Woodford Folk Festival or The Planting in previous years you are bound to have seen our large…
Seek solace and sustenance as you plunge headfirst into our annual three-day cultural event, The Planting. We couldn’t be more excited to bring to you these maestros and troubadours to help us all kick up our feet and celebrate after a day’s learning and nurturing Woodfordia’s 500acre parkland. More than a festival, join us as…