whistles from yarrow

[Andy]

does anyne else make these. you use a nice fresh section of yarrow with a node at one end. make a slit near the node (longder slit deeper note) and bow into it. just a bit of fun that kids can do with out any trouble. you need a very sharpe knife to make the slit. this was one of the first things i was shown how to do in a bushcraft type theme.

 

[Adi007]

Yep ... but I've mainly used budlia stems (plenty growing around!). Fun trick!

 

[Viking]

You mean a whistle like this?
(The text is in swedish but the pics are good)

http://www2.educ.umu.se/~ojje/verkstan/salgpipa/index.php

Here we use sallow or mountain ash (rowan).

 

[Justin Time]

That looks great, what's the best time to try it? I'm guessing now would be good since the sap is rising?

 

[Viking]

When the sap is rising and the leafs are big as a mouse ear then its time to carve a sallow whistle.
(translated from the site)

 

[Justin Time]

hmmm, First catch your mouse.....

Thanks Viking, lots of Sallow near me so I'll give it a go, I've still got that old Scottish respect for Rowan so won't be cutting that thank you very much.....

 

[Gary]

Viking that type of whisle we would call a poachers whistle and make out of Willow or sweet chestnut maybe.

 

[FGYT]

used to make them when i was younger Dad made em with a longer pill out bit and then you can use em as a musical instrument by sliding it in and out takes a bit of practice to loosen the bark of 6" and slide it of in one piece


ATB

Duncan

 

[Nod]

I had a go at making one yesterday.and failed miserably.

Anyway, I found this site this morning with some more instructions on whistles etc.

Thought it may be useful:
http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/fun/whistle2.htm

 

[Doc]

Thanks Nod.....I was interested in this thread but hadn't quite grasped it until I checked the link.

Plenty of Rowan around here (incidentally Rowan is the plant badge of Clan McEwan- my clan, so I'm not superstitious about cutting a bit of it!). Think I'll give it a go.