Woodfordia: Artisan Camp & The Planting
I’ve just returned from a week of camping on one of my favourite places on the planet: Woodfordia.
The Jinibara people are the registered Native Title Holders for the Woodford area. The world of the Jinibara is rich in Dreaming places and ceremonial grounds and you can feel this history and connection when you visit the land.
Today, the land is managed by Woodfordia Inc. and is dedicated to the arts and humanities and is underpinned by a strong commitment to the environment. Each year Woodfordia hosts the Woodford Folk Festival in December / January. Then in the first May weekend Woodfordian’s come together for a working-bee where participants plant trees to regenerate the land, nurture the existing environment and encourage species diversity.
Since its beginning, the Tree-Planting Weekends have put over 100,000 trees into the ground. The weekend has organically evolved into its own mini festival known as The Planting, which as well as the working bee activities includes environmental talks and workshops, music, food and campfire culture.
Just prior to the Planting, Woodfordia also runs the Artisan Camp, where participants can come along early for a 3-day master class in a artistic speciality. This year the artisan camp hosted jewellers, musicians, comedians, hat makers and painters and dancers.
It was a beautiful week at Woodfordia and I feel lucky to have been invited along to capture the magic. Here are some highlights from my trip:
