IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a great day out, get along to the National Forest Wood Fair at Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire, on August Bank Holiday Monday (30 August).

Don’t miss the lumberjack displays by the New Forest and South East Axemen. Hear the throttles of the chainsaw carving, as skilled craftsmen buzz and feather massive chunks of timber into works of art, some of which will feature in the charity auction for Tree Aid at the end of the day.

One of the most popular attractions is the horse logging, and this year the team will be joined by Bruno, an Ardennes horse from Warwickshire.

Visitors can also find out how to make a coracle, see willow weaving, woodcarving and pyrography. Kids can have a go at the climbing wall, eco art and other ranger led activities. Goldilocks and the Three Bears will put a new twist on last year’s One Oak project. As before, an oak tree has been taken down in the Forest, as part of essential management works, and the One Oak project is a way of demonstrating the wide range of uses for the timber. Visitors will be able to see the Three Bears’ Cottage take shape, all constructed from one oak tree. A section of the cottage will be constructed using green oak framing, oak cladding and oak floorboards. The domestic scene will be completed as each element is created on site and
added during the day: a mantlepiece, table and chairs, picture frames, the log pile by the fire - and a bowl and spoon. The Three Bears will take their places, having been carved on site, and Goldilocks herself will be available to talk to the visitors.

Sessions in the Talks Tent will entertain visitors with tales of the Forest from the Wild Man of the Woods, the latest research into some of the bugs and pests that can trouble the trees and stories of the Bronze Age hill fort and nature conservation work on Beacon Hill itself.

The National Forest Wood Fair is being held at Beacon Hill Country Park from 10am – 5pm. Entry costs adults £7, concessions £4 and a family ticket £15 (for two adults and three children).

A new Park & Ride service will operate this year, enabling visitors to leave their cars at County Hall, Glenfield, and travel by bus, free of charge to the Fair. The service will run from 9.30am-6pm. For further information see www.leics.gov.uk/woodfair or www.nationalforest.org.