Last year, an array of woollen creatures appeared in the woods of a National Trust property in the wilds of North Devon. For just under three months, flowers, fungi, insects, animals and birds in woolly form bedecked an area of Arlington Court’s woodland.

The ‘Woollen Woods in Bloom’ project was the theme for Voluntary Arts Week, and many woollen displays popped up across the country.

Knitters, crocheters and felters from around the British Isles sent in their creations for display at Arlington, reaching more than 1200 items.

The display will be shown again at Arlington this autumn, and once again the National Trust are inviting crafters to help create new pieces for the woodland exhibition.

Each woolly creation from last year was rescued from the woodland, and has been washed and stored, ready to reappear this August. With increased awareness of the project, it is hoped that this year’s display will reach 3000. The creations will then be offered out for display at other National Trust locations.

This idea of a full-scale knitted woodland scene was only natural at Arlington Court. In recent years, the location has gained a reputation for woollen projects – in 2013 visitors were invited to knit a bat, and in 2014, a knitted leaf exhibition showed the changing colours of autumn.

Anyone who knits, felts or crochets can contribute something to the woods, whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter.

Last year, the youngest knitter was only eight, whilst the oldest was 92. The theme for this year’s display is autumnal - so think along the lines of fungi, acorns, squirrels and hedgehogs!

Crafting groups are also welcome to get involved, either creating a display for their own area of woodland, or choosing a pattern and making several examples in different colours and sizes.

One of the most popular creatures from 2015 was Ernie the dayglow snail, who was created by a local knitting café in support of the project. The Periwinkle Café in Ilfracombe had also asked its customers to knit or crochet snails for the display!

The Woollen Woods in Autumn exhibtion will be at Arlington Court from 27 August until 30 October, with some spooky twists added for October half term.

To find out more visit nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court or like them on Facebook to view the woollen creations as they begin to arrive.

SEND YOUR WOOLLY WONDERS:
Send your woollen creations by 1st August 2016 to Woollen Woods, Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP