Triumph on 'Drive It Day' at Scampston

This weekend we were delighted to welcome the Federation of British Historic Vehicle's Club to Scampston Hall for their annual 'Drive It Day'. The  cars parked in front of Scampston Hall, a very appropriate back-drop for such beautifully-kept historic vehicles!

For anyone with an interest in vintage cars, Scampston's annual Vintage Fair, this year on the 12th June, will be a great opportunity to admire them!

Not only will there be cars, but also clothes, stalls, music, delicious food and drink, and (touch wood) sunshine!

Tickets are available here! http://www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk/scampston-vintage-festival/

Busy in the Bothys

This week has been very busy in the Bothy Garden!  Volunteers at Scampston Heritage & Learning Centre have been working closely with Camphill Village Trust, sowing lots of flower and vegetable seeds and working hard to rid the beds of weeds. 

 In the centre of the herb bed a wigwam was made with poles cut from Scampston woods. This will support new plants as they grow this summer.

A variety of different plants were added to the herb beds. There is now have a good mixture of herbs, which will help Catherine to make some delicious dishes in the Garden Cafe!

At the end of our gardening day we celebrated the completion of the new Bothy Garden Sign which has been hand-carved by volunteer Jeff.      

For more information about volunteering at Scampston, contact our Heritage & Learning Officer hlo@scampston.co.uk 

Embroidering Landscapes with Corinne Young

Yesterday we enjoyed a lovely full day workshop in the Conservatory with artist Corinne Young. 

With a table abundant in materials - a true craftsperson's dream - the group of budding embroiderers were invited to take inspiration from the landscape here at Scampston. 

Using a number of creative techniques, they were able to depict trees, bridges, flowers and water, carefully capturing ripples and reflections. 

The course runs as part of the Capability Brown 300 festival, which marks the 300th anniversary of Brown - the landscape architect who changed the face of England. 

For information about further courses, lectures and events, please visit our website www.scampston.co.uk/events 

Logging Good!

With less than one month until we open to the public once more, the team have been making sure that the children's play area on the cascade circuit will keep the little ones entertained.

Scampston's gardeners Paul and Annie, woodsman Nigel, along with some of our gardening volunteers and Marley the dog, were busy working in the sunshine yesterday. If almost felt like spring, with daffodils springing up!

A key theme for us at Scampston is to ensure that the gardens and parkland remain as natural and sustainable as possible. It made sense therefore to make use of a large tree which had fallen in recent heavy winds. Chainsaw at the ready - Nigel cut this into sections which will be used for children to jump, step and climb on. It will also lead them into the natural 'wigloo', a growing willow igloo. The larger bits of wood will also be used to provide more seating in the parkland.

Do pop along once we open on the 25th March to test out your balance and agility on the new log course, whatever your age!

A wood-working Wednesday

Wednesday was a busy day for Camphill Village Trust at Scampston. With the help of volunteers Jeff and Andy,  the group finished the picnic table they have been making, which will sit in the Bothy Garden for the volunteers to use for their lunch (once the weather improves of course!) 

Jane painted it with the wood preservative,  Ian sanded the wood with help from Camphill Village Trust and Jonathan put in the last screws.

George was dab hand at fixing the new Shadow Board for the hand tools and drilling the holes for the screwdrivers.

A good mornings work was done!

It was exciting to see a pair of blue tits in a new bird box they had assembled last year and had put in the Bothy garden.  Spring is on its way at last.

Beelogging...

You won’t bee-lieve what Emma is up to…

Scampston’s Heritage & Learning Officer, Emma and volunteer Claudia visited West Heslerton CE Primary School last week, with some fairly unusual accessories in tow.

Dressed very stylishly as a giant bumble bee, the class teacher Mrs Woodward helped demonstrate to her pupils how bees are so very important for pollination. The KS2 students were divided into flower power teams, and with their brightly coloured petals and lovely smells, they were able to attract their teacher bee to each of the teams in turn.

Balls of pollen attached to the children, via woolly hats, gloves and socks, were transferred to the furry bee. Students were able to see through this pollen is transferred from flower to flower and how this then means that more flowers will grow.

It was a fun filled day for all, even Mrs Woodward! 

For more information about the programmes that the Heritage and Learning Centre at Scampston Conservatory offers for schools, contact hlo@scampston.co.uk

A Very Festive Fuddle

Last week, volunteers and staff at Scampston enjoyed an afternoon of merriment, mince pies and the obligatory Christmas jumpers!

An impressive spread was produced by our talented team of volunteers, from homemade quiche, to mince pies and even a GIANT chocolate Christmas Tree.

After a busy and successful year, it was great to have a celebration and a good catch up! Thank you to all the volunteers who are so vital to the work we do at Scampston.

If you are interested in volunteering at Scampston get in touch with Emma at hlo@scampston.co.uk.