fern in bourne wood

Den Building Competition In Bourne Wood

We had a warm day with sunny intervals for our den building competition on Sunday.

Five families used leftover materials from the wood thinning to create dens deep within the wood. Most were made lean-to style, with the exception of one wigwam style. The dens were then covered with Bracken to help make them waterproof.

wigwam den built in bourne wood
The wigwam den made by the Copestake family for five people.

The wigwam style den was big enough for two families, with a dog kennel at the end for the family’s springer spaniel, accommodating five people very comfortably, a very impressive but ambitious design in the time allotted. Other dens had outside seating, carpeted floors, and open fires.

Once made, the dens were tested to see if they were waterproof with the families sitting inside, and the others listening for the screams as they got wet – which everyone did!

lean-to design den in bourne wood
The winning lean-to design made by the Knudson family.

As always, it was difficult to choose a winner as all dens were really good, but the winner was made by the Knudson family, a lean-to design with carpet, a rocking chair, and a camp fire!

There will be another chance to try your hand at den building at the end of August, so look out for the posters for this.

Photographer Sarah Roberts©

4 thoughts on “Den Building Competition In Bourne Wood”

  1. Although not a Friend of Bourne Woods I use the woods on a daily basis to walk my dog. I cannot help but notice that following the long school summer holiday the woods are full of litter. If any others would like to help I am happy to supply some disposable gloves and some black bags and spend an hour or so litter picking on the weekend after the schools start again, to return our beautiful woods to their pre-holiday state.
    If you are interested in helping please contact me, or leave a message on this site and we can arrange a date and time.
    Thank you!

  2. Thanks Shona, for your comments about the rubbish – which are quite correct. The Forestry do a litter pick of the car park (and immediate surrounds) once a week normally on a Wed/Thurs. During the summer holidays this is never enough and the Friends do an extra litter pick on a Monday (at about 9.30am in the car park – if you would like to join me) – again this is just the car park and up to the five crossroads.

    The rest of the wood is done very adhoc – we do some on our walks and I know of at least one lady who regularly picks on her walks.

    I would be happy to support your idea of a pick after the school holidays as well as we could perhaps cover some of the other areas. Perhaps we will see what response we get from your suggestion as I can hopefully fit in with you – I can provide a couple of litter pickers as well (to save the back!) and know where we can leave the rubbish safely to be collected.

    Sarah (Secretary) 07760 468052

Leave a Reply