View Full Version : whistles from yarrow
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.
Yep ... but I've mainly used budlia stems (plenty growing around!). Fun trick!
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
18-04-2004, 22:34
That looks great, what's the best time to try it? I'm guessing now would be good since the sap is rising?
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
18-04-2004, 23:05
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.....
Viking that type of whisle we would call a poachers whistle and make out of Willow or sweet chestnut maybe.
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
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
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.