Whistlewood Common

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Whistlewood Common

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https://whistlewoodcommon.org/
Whistlewood is a volunteer run, community-owned social enterprise with ten acres of land in Melbourne, Derbyshire

26/10/2026

Can't wait for Jak'sart to come back to Whistlewood!

🎄 Festive Gonk Carving Workshop at Whistlewood Common!

Fancy doing something a little different in the run-up to Christmas?

Join me for a lovely morning of creativity, carving and festive cheer in the beautiful natural surroundings of Whistlewood Common.

Using reclaimed aerated concrete, I'll guide you through transforming a simple block of stone into your very own characterful Christmas Gonk to take home and treasure.

No previous carving experience needed! Just a willingness to have a go, get a little dusty and enjoy creating something with your own hands.

It's a wonderful opportunity to slow down, switch off from everyday demands and enjoy some mindful creativity in good company.

Workshop details:

📅 Saturday 21st November 2026
🕥 10.30am – 1.30pm
📍 Whistlewood Common, Melbourne, Derbyshire

Prices:

- Adults: £40
- Concessions: £35
- Adult + child (14+): £60

All carving tools, materials, protective equipment and refreshments are provided.

Whether you're coming with a friend, family member or simply treating yourself to some creative time, you'll be warmly welcomed.

Places are limited, so booking is essential.

Book directly through Whistlewood Common here:
https://whistlewoodcommon.org/product/festive-gonk-making-workshop-21-november-2025/

Looking forward to sharing a little festive creativity with you!

Jayne
JAK'sArt – The Soulful Stone

www.thesoulfulstone.co.uk

25/10/2026

Another fantastic photo by showing off Whistlewood, stretching from the camping field & yurt across the roundhouse and community garden to the carpark.
Have you had a chance to see the Rekalibrator yet?
The 3 spirals represent the permaculture ethics of earth care, people care and fair share.
You can read more about it on our website https://whistlewoodcommon.org/the-rekalibrator/

24/10/2026

Book your place on the Whistlewood Common Wreath Making workshop, Saturday 5th December. The full price is £30.
We will provide you with long life plant materials, natural embellishments such as orange slices, pinecones and a handmade willow hoop base, finished off with hessian bows. There will be mulled w**e or juice, and nibbles in our cosy roundhouse.
Book online WhistlewoodCommon.org/shop

23/10/2026

Our Christmas wreath making workshop is online! Come along to our cosy roundhouse and join in. Everything you need for a wreath is provided. A willow hoop made from Whistlewood willow, local plant materials, a hessian bow or ribbon, lots of embellishments, no plastic, is all included. Our hard working volunteers pick and prepare all the plant materials ready for your workshop. All profits go to Whistlewood and go towards running the woodland. Looking forward to seeing you there!
WhistlewoodCommon.org/shop

18/10/2026

Have you discovered the Rekalibrator at Whistlewood Common yet?

If you’re visiting Whistlewood, take a moment to walk the Rekalibrator that has carefully been mown into the grass.

This aerial photograph views Whistlewood from a different perspective than we normally see and really shows the Rekalibrator off.

But what exactly is the Rekalibrator, and what does it all mean? We’ll be sharing more of these stunning photographs and exploring the story behind it in future posts.

📷 Photography thanks to

17/10/2026

Congratulations to James, one of our Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who collected his Gold Award from the palace this summer.
James has been involved with site maintenance, apple tree pruning, working at our events including the music festivals on the tea and cake stall, Welly wanging, and also helped renew the flat roof over the kitchen and store.
Our younger volunteers get involved with all sorts of activities, and as a result learn a wide variety of skills, make fantastic friends, and improve their confidence. A huge thank you from us goes out to our Duke of Edinburgh volunteers past and present, you make a huge impact on Whistlewood.
If you're interested in volunteering at Whistlewood get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.

16/10/2026

This month Katherine's article in the Village Voice is about volunteering with Whistlewood. Whatever your skill set or ability level we'd love to welcome you on site to volunteer.

11/10/2026

Here is September's article from the Village Voice by our chair Katherine Parrish. We loved having all the visitors for our Apple Afternoon in September - thanks for coming along. If you're interested in our activities, volunteering with us or hiring the site take a look at our website.

10/10/2026

Come along and join us for a hands-on woodland management session, helping to coppice hazel and improve the woodland for wildlife!

Coppicing is a traditional woodland management technique that involves cutting trees back to their base, encouraging fresh growth and allowing more sunlight to reach the woodland floor. This helps create a diverse woodland habitat, supporting wildflowers, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

During the session, you’ll learn about the benefits of coppicing and have a go at using traditional hand tools.

No experience is needed, and all tools and guidance will be provided. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet new people or simply spend some time outdoors, everyone is welcome.

Please remember to wear sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing.

Location: Whistlewood common
Dates: 24 October & 7th November
Time: 13:00-16:00

Contact for more information or take a look at volunteering at Whistlewood on our website.

22/09/2026

A busy weekend planned at Whistlewood we have a signage volunteering session on Saturday 26th and Apple Afternoon on Sunday 27th September.
We're planning some signs around the site to highlight features at Whistlewood and help our visitors enjoy and engage with nature. Would you like to help plan the signs? We'd love your help.
Take a look online for some more information.

Address

Melbourne Common
Melbourne
DE738DH

Website

http://www.whistlewoodcommon.org/

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