canned art

Ever thought what could be done with all those drinks cans that get thrown away each year? (of course I expect most of you, like us, put them in for recyling). However there is so much more you can do with them before putting them in for recycling. There are many websites where you can download instructions for making useful and interesting objects from cans.

We've recently taken on a share in an allotment and needed to find a practical, effective way of discouraging birds from eating the seeds and young plants so we found instructions for making birds scarers from drinks cans. As you can see from the photos, these birds scarers are not only very practical (and they work!) they add an unusual element of interest to the plant beds.

bird scarer on a stick is not only free to spin in the wind but is a great way of attaching a label to identify what has been planted!


our youngest son thinks that these work by the birds flying into the blades and being chopped up! Not true, I hasten to add...

sculpture trail walk

As today was a UK Bank Holiday, I decided that it would be good to have a proper family day out. So we packed a few provisions and headed off down to the Forest of Dean. We had a super day; the weather was ideal for walking and we saw some fantastic sculptures. Click here to go to the Sculpture Trail website to find out more about the sculptures and artists who created them.


an iconic symbol of the Sculpture Trail - 'Place' by Magdalena Jetelova


'Fire and Water Boats' by David Nash



probably my favourite - 'Iron Road' by Keir Smith. This runs along a disused railway embankment. Each of the 20 sleepers is carved with a unique and individual design



'Cathedral' by Kevin Atherton


If you're ever in Gloucestershire and you fancy an interesting walk, then I highly recommend you pay a visit to the Sculpture Trail near Speech House, Forest of Dean.