Well Dressing created by the Children of Foolow, Derbyshire

Children of Foolow, Derbyshire

Saving the rainforest with Well Dressing

The ancient custom of Well Dressing is peculiar to England, and Derbyshire and Staffordshire in particular. The tradition dates back as far as the Celts but did not become established until the village of Tissington 'dressed' their well after managing to escape the outbreak of Black Death. Following on, many villages began to dress the new water taps when piped water first came to the villages.

About 20 villages continue the tradition and we recently received this photograph of the 2007 well dressing at Foolow, near Eyam in Derbyshire. Each year the children of Foolow select a charity for funds raised by their annual well dressing and this year they chose World Land Trust as the recipient of the £188.65 which they raised. Depending on the date blossoms, flowers, fruits, seeds and berries are set into clay to produce the picture; congratulations to the children who designed and produced such an eye catching 'dressing' and thank you for choosing to support our work.

Your School in the Hall of Fame

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