Bishops Wood environmental education centre near Stourport is inviting families to enjoy a traditional ‘green’ start to this year’s Christmas festivities. 

On Sunday, December 3, the centre, which lies in the grounds of the National Grid substation at Crossway Green, will be open to the public who can try their hand at creating Christmas cards and seasonal decorations from natural materials.  Hot spiced Christmas drinks and mince pies will be available and a local choir will be singing carols. 

Head of centre John Rhymer said:  ‘Bishops Wood Centre offers an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the hectic run-up to Christmas.  While they’re here, visitors will be able to take the opportunity to see our award winning environmental centre which is not usually open to the public.’

The event has been organised by the Friends of Bishops Wood.
 
Friends secretary Janey Hewitt said:  ‘Families can come to Bishops Wood and enjoy a traditional start to the festive season by making their own decorations.  For many centuries evergreens have formed the basis of family decorations at Christmas.  The holly and the ivy have a long association with Christmas because of the popular carol and the holly’s dark leaves and bright red berries have made it a favourite for decorations.  The bush is sometimes referred to as the Christmas thorn. 

Myrtle is another evergreen that is traditionally used for decoration at Christmas.  Its legend goes back to Adam and Eve who carried from the Garden of Eden because of its sweetly scented flowers.  The plant was held sacred to the goddess of love which has made it a favourite for wedding bouquets.  In fact, Queen Victoria planted a myrtle sprig from her wedding bouquet in the garden at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Offspring from this original have provided myrtle flowers for the bouquets of several royal family brides.

Unfortunately since the commercialisation of Christmas, natural greenery has tended to be marginalized for displays of multicoloured manufactured decorations.  But a few sprigs of natural colour still remain far more representative of the Nativity than any amount of tinsel and glitter.’  

The centre will be open from 2pm until 4.30pm.  Entry to the event is £3 for adults and £1 for children. 

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For further media information contact Jane Taylor on 07785 229647

National Grid
National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc it owns and operates over 6,800 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

National Grid will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.

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National Grid Environmental education centres
Bishop's Wood is part of National Grid's network of environmental education centres based on electricity substation sites around the UK.  Our centres are run in partnership with local education authorities, environmental charities and other organisations, and provide outdoor learning opportunities for schools and a range of activities and training for adults, community groups and companies.

National Grid environmental education centre sites range in size from a few acres in an urban setting to 80 acres of meadows and ancient woodland.  All provide a safe and secure environment for all age groups to learn about their natural world.

Bishops Wood Centre is run in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester College of Technology and Friends of Bishops Wood.  The Centre is off the A4025 Bishops Wood Lane, behind the Mitre Oak at Crossway Green, near Stourport.

Web map www.bishopswoodcentre.org.uk