A New Year Willow Workout
Volunteers enjoyed a bright crisp morning at Oxford Island last Saturday. “Such a beautiful morning to be out” said Gerard Mellon from Aghagallon. I have been at the Willow Workout now for over 5years. Every year I meet new people and make new friends”
“It is better value and healthier than spending money on gym membership” laughed Gary Dean
“Every year we cut the willow trees back to the stump to give us a harvest of willow rods that I can use for classes in basket-making” explained Paul Carville from Aghacommon. 
“The ancient practice of coppicing strengthens and prolongs the life of short lived trees such as willow and hazel” explained Chris McCarney, Volunteer Officer with the Lough Neagh Landscape Scheme. Hazel and willow are an important part of the landscape around Lough Neagh and provide a home for many native birds and animals.
Come along and join us at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island every Saturday at 10:30am during January and February.
