The National Forest Wood Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 28 August promises to be a fantastic day out, with a packed programme to keep the whole family entertained.
Not only will there be a huge array of woodland crafts for visitors to try, but they can also have a go at tree climbing with ropes and harnesses, under the watchful eye of trained tree surgeons, admire magnificent heavy horses logging timber or marvel at chainsaw sculptors Lorraine Botterill and Lea Torp-Nielson wielding their chainsaws to create extraordinary works of art from unprepossessing lumps of wood. Wild Man of the Woods Barry Patterson will entertain all ages with his unique story-telling and music making.
Amongst the dozens of crafts and demonstration stands, visitors can try pole lathe turning, chair bodging or willow weaving. Or see how to make a fantastic longbow, walking stick or coracle (one person boats that have a history dating back thousands of years). From besom brooms to whistles, chair and bench making to baskets, there will be many traditional skills and products on view.
Wood craftsman Clinton Chaloner has created a ‘dug-out’ boat of the type used historically on and in the region of the River Severn. It will be on display at the Wood Fair and as Clinton explains: “It is a great link with old skills and traditions to make and use a boat like this, which would have been paddled up and down our rivers by the ancient Britons.”
The Potions Club from Derbyshire will be bringing wild food, herbs and potions. Demonstrations and tastings will include copper nettle soup, chestnut bread and rosehip syrup.
There will be temptation galore for the purse and the cheque book! Beautiful furniture in rustic or finely finished styles, willow sculptures, wood-based art, unusual garden items and wooden games. For those who hanker after a garden retreat, look out for the tree houses and log cabins, and for keeping the house snug, there’s nothing better than a wood-burning stove.
Delicious local and organic food and drink will be available for visitors to enjoy on the day and to buy to take home: home-reared meat, organic jams and chutneys, breads and local milk and cream.
The Wood Fair is organised by the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council in partnership with the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership.
“We think we’ve brought together a fantastic day’s entertainment for this year’s Wood Fair,” explained Hugh Williams for the National Forest Company. “As part of this we hope people will learn something about how trees are grown and managed, have a go at some of the activities on offer, perhaps buy some woodland produce but most of all have a great day out!”
The National Forest Wood Fair will run from 10 am – 5pm on Monday 28 August. Admission charges include car parking and a programme and will cost adults £5, concessions £3 and a family ticket £12 (for two adults and two children).
Held at Beacon Hill Country Park near Loughborough, just five minutes drive from Junctions 22 or 23 of the M1, the site is one of the highest points in Leicestershire and has sweeping views over the growing National Forest.
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