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New Site Key to Success of National Forest Wood Fair

A new site surrounded with trees and opening to a commanding view of the surrounding National Forest proved a perfect setting for the sixth National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The increased crowds at last year's event encouraged the organisers, Leicestershire County Council and the National Forest Company, to move the event to an adjacent field.

"It proved to be the best thing," said Nick Fell, Forestry Manager for LCC. "The weather was kind to us, people turned out in their thousands and the new site made the event a real success."

The crowds loved the lumberjack displays, the horse logging and the chainsaw carving.

Another first for this year was the 'log to leg' race in Bodgers' Corner. A 'bodger' is an ancient term for a pole lathe turner who worked out in the woodlands making chair legs.

Under a canopy of oak trees, the starting bell sounded and five bodgers raced to turn a lump of wood into a matching pair of chair legs. Against the clock and according to strict judging criteria they axed and shaved, turned and chiselled. Local woodsman Peter Wood won the morning’s competition with a time of 12 minutes 6 seconds; Matt Jarvis from Warwickshire won the afternoon's frantic event with a time of 12 minutes 20 seconds.

The Three Bears Cottage proved to be a popular interpretation of how the timber from a single oak tree can be used. Throughout the day, various components produced by wood craftspeople throughout the Wood Fair were brought into the National Forest marquee and put in place to create a scale version of the Three Bears Cottage: the timber frame, oak floorboards, cladding to the walls, a mantlepiece, picture frame, table, chairs, boxes of porridge and bowls and spoons – and, of course, the three bears themselves. Goldilocks was on hand to give One Oak stickers and colouring pictures to passing children who were fascinated by the scene.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, said: "Around Leicester and Loughborough there are a many great things to do over the summer, including just walking in the beautiful countryside. But many visitors to the Wood Fair told me how uniquely interesting, relaxed and fun it is: traditional skills, no tat, great views and things to watch or to buy.

"Every year we put on something new, so both regular and first time visitors had a great time. It worked for all ages too, with places to sit as well as lots to do.

"Despite the recession, National Forest wood-based businesses are doing well and we had a lot of interest in business support as well as woodland crafts. So all in all, it really is an event with something for everyone. I came away the proud owner of a 'log gobbler' - a simple, strong hessian bag to get my logs in from outside to my fireplace, without as much mess and effort as it currently involves: one happy punter amongst thousands!

"The event is run by Leicestershire County Council and the National Forest Company - a great partnership which I hope will continue into the future as the Fair goes from strength to strength."

• Read more: The National Forest Wood Fair 2010 @ Leicestershire County Council