The Green Wood Centre has been involved with coracles and coracle making since the 1980s when a group of enthusiasts re-learned the rapidly disappearing craft of coracle making that was traditional to Ironbridge and Shrewsbury. Over the years, hundreds of people have learned to make coracles here and have taken part in the ever-popular Ironbridge Coracle Regatta.
When, Eusty, the last of the traditional coracle men of Ironbridge died in 2003 the Ironbridge Coracle Trust was set up to preserve the traditional skills and stories of coracles and coracle making in the Gorge.
This is a free, interactive exhibition at the Green Wood Centre that celebrates the history of coracles in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
The shed contains the contents of coracle man Eusty’s shed and a range of interactive displays and commissioned works by local artists to tell the fascinating and entertaining stories and antics that the coracle men were famous for. The Coracle Stories exhibition within the New Shed are designed as if the ingenious coracle men of the 1950s had set themselves the task.
“One of the coolest little exhibitions I have seen in England.” – a visitor from Australia.
“Such a charming local history exhibition.” – local visitor.
“Kids love it.”
From the New Shed you can follow the Coracle Trail to the Old Coracle Shed by the Ironbridge. Just under a mile, this walk takes you through the historic town of Ironbridge along the edge of the beautiful River Severn.
The Ironbridge Coracle Trust also runs a wide range of community activities, craft activities and ‘have a go’ sessions in a coracle. Book early to avoid disappointment!
The Annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta is held on August Bank Holiday Monday in Dale End Park. It is a great day out for all the family with activities and coracle races for all ability levels.
For coracle making courses, please go to the Small Woods Association Courses page.
New Coracle Shed opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Alternatively you can ask to arrange a visit by appointment by emailing us at [email protected]
For more information and activities coming up please go to https://ironbridgecoracles.org
