Wild with Wheels Founder Gini MItchell writes on 15 December 2022  

We spent a gorgeous sunny and creative morning at historic Fort Burgoyne in Dover.

Beating the bugs

We were a tiny group because of Wheelers struck by Covid and the usual winter bugs, as well as potentially treacherous icy conditions. But our morning was well worth venturing outdoors

When we arrived, we collected twigs and sticks that had fallen from the surrounding sycamore trees. The Woodland Trust describes sycamore as 'familiar, romantic, sticky'! 

Cosy in the casemates

We warmed up quickly, staying toasty and cosy in the casemates.  

The main fort comprised a large parade ground. A long row of casemates to the north provided barrack accommodation for soldiers and officers.

We spent the session relaxing and enjoying restful and meditative movements to craft festive decorations from the twigs and yarn.

Heading into the winter solstice

The landscape has changed on the horizon now the trees have lost their leaves. There's a frosty bite in the air, and silhouettes of branches are dark against a clear blue sky. The low winter sun also cast shadows through the windows of the casemates onto our natural creations. 

Thanks as ever to our friends and supporters the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership - whose new website is under construction - and the Land Trust.

We look forward to more of these bright winter days in the New Year. We'll be at Fort Burgoyne once a fortnight - will you join us?

#winterdays

#wintershadow

#accessiblenature

#accessiblecreativity 

#disabledcrafter