Encouraging outdoor play

Twig Sculptures

Making twig sculptures is a fun way of making the most of the outdoors. Children might like to have a go at making an animal like a deer or a magical creature such as a dragon. Alternatively, they may prefer to try to create a basket-like structure, a nest or a chair - the creative decision is up to them!

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You Will Need

• A sharp knife
• Old gardening gloves

Safety Tip

• Children using knifes should be supervised at all times.

Making a twig sculptures

During early spring, wood is bendy and pliable, making it easier to work. Use long thin lengths of willow, hazel or other shrubs, but do not cut large amounts of such materials from wild plants. This activity is ideal for a park or garden after a late-winter or early-spring pruning session, or can be done out in the woods where there will be plenty of suitable material available. Try collecting as much dead material from the ground as possible, so that only a small amount of the more pliable living wood needs to be cut from the trees.

• Start off by using dead twigs and small branches to build the main supports and then weave around those.
• Use only natural materials. Grasses and lengths of honeysuckle or ivy can be used as binding where necessary.
• Although it is not difficult to make simple sculptures, the weaving does require considerable patience and cooperation; this is perhaps a challenge for older children or even adults.
  

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