THE NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR RATED “GREAT SUCCESS”

Over 2,500 visitors flocked to the second National Forest Wood Fair at Beacon Hill Country Park on Bank Holiday Monday.
There were 70 stands at the event, inviting visitors to have a go at tree climbing, get afloat in a coracle, try eco-art, see pole lathe turning in action or admire beautiful woven willow creations.

The Wild Man of the Woods entertained captivated audiences with his stories about the country lore of the past and songs for the future urging us all to “keep it wild, keep it green!”
Stella Cornell of Chesterton Horse Loggers told those admiring Bruno, her Suffolk Punch horse, the history of this particular native breed. Bred to be the most efficient ‘workhorse’ on the farm, many went to the First World War, sadly not to return, and now they are nearing extinction with only around 300 left in the world. Bruno is kept well employed hauling timber in areas hard to reach with more modern forestry methods.

The machinery of the timber business was well represented with felling equipment, logging demonstrations and the opportunity to soar 15 metres high in a tree lift, more generally used for high level pruning and tree surgery.
When the crowds around their stand allowed them, stall holders made the most of the opportunity to see what other members of the forestry fraternity had on offer.

Angus Hancock of Cameron Forest and Garden said: “This is a brilliant networking event for the industry, and we were delighted to see so many people at the Wood Fair who could relate the activities and developments going on in The National Forest to the woodlands and countryside they see around them.”

Diane Brown of The Potions Club ran out of her supplies of rosehip, blackcurrant and rowan syrups. “People use these syrups - depending on their taste - as drinks, preventative or curative medicines or with ice cream, and visitors to my stall could still sample the products, but we’d had such a tremendous rush with sales that all I was left with was two nettle tarts!”

Lea Torp Nielson of Sheffield said: “The quality and array of stands was excellent. There really was something for everyone to enjoy if you’ve even half an interest in the countryside.”

The event was held in the stunning setting of Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire.