Open Day this weekend, and other events this summer

The recent rains were perfectly timed to test our new water collection system - we collected just over 200 litres from the kitchen shelter's roof over a couple of wet days. As we have no running water on the land, this will save the energy needed to bring in water from home, and in fact will be better for the plants than the chlorinated fluoridated tapwater we've been bringing in. As I write this an even heavier downpour is busy filling our tanks even higher! Our next water project will use 200-year-old technology to pump fresh water from the spring below us, up the hill to Carraig Dulra, without any external source of energy. Contact us if you're interested in learning more about building and installing a hydraulic ram pump!

On Sunday last, we were privileged to have local Moth-er Angus Tyner, who is one of Ireland's moth experts, showing our Dublin guests over 60 species of moth he caught in traps he had set at Carraig Dulra the previous night. We were struck by the beauty and vast differences between the species, and by the varied reactions our guests had to them as well! Angus has kindly offered to set traps and do another demonstration some time again this summer, so watch this space!

As a thank you to our past course participants and members, and as a way to introduce Carraig Dulra to people who haven't visited yet, we are holding a Members' Open Day this Sunday. This event is free if you've already taken a course with us or have a paid membership, otherwise we'd ask that you sign up on the day, the cost is €5 per year for adults, no charge for children. Or you can sign up for one of our courses (now or on the day), and we'll give you annual membership for free.

Members' Open Day (non-members can join on the day)
This Sunday, 24th June, from noon to 4pm.
Come take your family into nature at Carraig Dulra, see what's growing this month, explore amongst the tall bracken, hike in the woods, help with the latest projects, bring a picnic - we'll supply just-picked organic green salad. Children very welcome!

Weekend on the Mountain - in association with CELT
11-12 August - € 120 per person
***See note about Cars below***
Come camp with us for a weekend while taking your choice from courses in environmental and ecological trades for all levels. If you already have basic skills in one of these areas, you are welcome to develop your skills further with the guidance of highly qualified tutors.

Coppersmithing / Tinsmithing
Making basic containers using recycled materials. This is a unique opportunity to gain basic skills in coppersmithing using simple hand tools - Materials charge € 10
Course Tutor: Andy Harris

Dry Stone & Lime Mortar Walling
Traditional dry-stone walling construction techniques - also garden features (retaining walls, raised beds, seats, steps) plus an introduction to the use of lime mortar which allows a building to 'breathe' letting out water-vapour but preventing rain from getting in. Steel-toe-cap boots are recommended.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson

Herb-lore
Plant Magic- Exploration of our native wild and garden plants includes edible and medicinal uses, folklore, gardening tips, herb walk, seasonal recipes, herbal tincture and ointment making.
Course tutor: Kes Clarke

Wood Carving
Using local timber, participants will learn carving techniques and use/care of hand tools. Materials charge 7 euro. Carve an ogham panel or oak leaf panel in 2d (2 dimension)
Course Tutor: Andrew St Ledger

Ti-pi making
Make a 9ft 'children's lodge' - cutting and stitching of canvas plus construction info. Have the experience of making one collectively or 'make your own' -Materials charge 100 euros - less if using lower quality canvas (if taking away your own ti-pi)
Course tutor : Ti-pi Dave

We attended a great CELT weekend last year ourselves, and so we are very pleased to be working with them to hold this training weekend at Carraig Dulra. For those who haven't attended a CELT event in the past, this is a chance to try out some of these traditional skills at an east coast venue.

These courses are open to all over 14 years. Cost: € 120

Tea and coffee included throughout the day, and a hot organic vegetarian lunch from a local chef will be available (additional cost). A BBQ is available, and the outdoor kitchen with gas rings is also available (except when the hot lunch is being served), for your own cooking.

For more information about camping facilities and other questions about our venue, contact us. For more information about the courses, or to book the weekend, please contact CELT directly.

Bushcraft / Primitive Living Skills with Anthonio Akkermans
11-12 August - € 145 per person
***See now about Cars below***

This course will give you the basics of bushcraft and primitive technology. Anthonio will help you learn skills such as friction fire-lighting, tracking, trapping, shelter building and awareness. We will be making some necessary survivial items such as bowls, spoons and cord.

This is a weekend course; the cost is € 145 which includes camping and annual Carraig Dulra membership.

Tea and coffee included throughout the day, and a hot organic dairy-free vegetarian lunch from a local chef will be available each day (additional cost). A BBQ is available, and the outdoor kitchen with gas rings is also available (except when the hot lunch is being served), for your own cooking.

Camping facilities include an outdoor kitchen with gas rings, fire pits and BBQ, yurt (Mongolian tent) and compost toilet.

Kiln creation and basic pottery, by Potty Kent Potters
Our apologies: this course has had to be postponed until May 2008, due to tutor illness.

Cars at Carraig Dulra
In order to highlight the environmental issues around driving, and in particular because we have limited parking, we strongly encourage people to use public transport to visit us. We will happily do pickup/dropoffs from local public transport stops, and for those who drive, we will arrange parking nearby where you can ring us and we will collect you. Our parking area is normally reserved for Tutors with heavy materials, and those with physical disabilities.

This goes particularly for very busy events. Note that if you are attending the Weekend on the Mountain or Bushcraft courses which run on 11-12 August, we will not have any spare parking places.

The nearest Public Transport:
Bus Eireann: Glenealy, Ashford or Wicklow Town
Irish Rail: Wicklow Town

Look out for us at the new Wicklow Farmers' Market (we are sharing some space on the Crocker's stall) on Saturdays!

Suzie & Mike Cahn
Carraig Dulra
Living Skills Bank & Family Nature Centre
http://www.dulra.org

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