Characterful creation emerged from the clay

I'VE just had one of the best Saturday mornings I’ve ever had!

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A few weeks ago, I saw a poster inviting me to “delve into the earthy world of clay” and make a ceramic Tree Spirit... or, as I know him, a ‘Green Man’

It was a workshop at West Town Farm, on the outskirts of Exeter. For the last 20 years, West Town has been home to Organic Arts, an educational charity that promotes farm based learning. It works with adults who have mental, social and physical challenges, and hosts walks, workshops, and farm visits, all supported by a band of very keen volunteers.

Well, I’ve always been fascinated by the Green Man, considered to be some kind of super-natural spirit and pagan fertility symbol. An elusive creature in folklore, depicted on ancient buildings and hanging from boards outside pubs, often with leaves and shoots growing out of his open mouth and nose.