Do you fancy a family day out this weekend? The ‘East Midlands Woodfuel Fair - Kindling Your Enthusiasm’ could offer exactly what you’re looking for, and it’s totally free of charge!
Come to Top Lodge, Fineshade Wood any time between 10am and 3.30pm on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March and enjoy a huge range of exciting attractions aimed at visitors of all ages.
Regular demonstrations by the Clwyd Axe Racing Team are sure to be a highlight, as will the opportunity to see the renowned chainsaw carver, Dick Tilley, in action. There will be plenty to keep children occupied, with regular dancing activities, storytelling sessions, willow weaving, face painting, paper craft and balloon art.
A packed programme of activities and events has also been organised to keep adult visitors entertained, including horse logging, small scale harvesting demonstrations and the opportunity to learn valuable survival skills. A team from Moulton College will be giving more adventurous visitors the opportunity to try tree climbing, while others might prefer to watch the College’s aerial rescue demonstrations from ground level.
Throughout the weekend, there will be live music the ‘Woodworm Ceilidh Band’ and Gerry Campbell, plus Morris dancing performances from ‘Bourne Borderers’ on Saturday and ‘Rutland Morris’ on Sunday. A wide range of high quality wood craft will be available for visitors to purchase, including hand made walking sticks, wood turned products and furniture.
Sarah Walker, Visitor and Communities Services Manager at Top Lodge, Fineshade Wood, said:
“As well as being a fun day out, the Woodfuel Fair will offer anyone interested in this sustainable, low-carbon source of energy the chance to talk an expert who can give advice and guidance. An environmentally and economically sound source of renewable heat, woodfuel can help mitigate against climate change by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. If you are considering burning firewood in your home, would like to know how to produce your own firewood, there will be someone on hand to answer all your questions.”
“The Forestry Commission is keen to work with suppliers to support the sector, as a healthy woodfuel market ultimately benefits wildlife and the environment. Most woodfuel systems are incredibly efficient and buying your fuel locally also supports the rural economy – so it’s a good idea all round.”
The Woodfuel Fair will take place this weekend (Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March) at Top Lodge, Fineshade Wood, from 10am until 3.30pm. The event is free of charge and normal parking fees will not apply. In addition to the refreshments available from the Top Lodge Café, there will be a BBQ and Hog Roast for visitors to enjoy. For a full programme of the activities happening at the Woodfuel Fair, please go to www.forestry.gov.uk/woodfuelfair.
NOTES TO EDITOR
About the Forestry Commission
1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests, and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive woodlands. Further information about the Commission can be found at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/
2. Northants Forest District runs from Grantham in Lincolnshire right down to Ampthill in Bedfordshire, taking in many beautiful and varied woodlands.
3. Top Lodge, Fineshade Wood, north Northamptonshire
Top Lodge, Fineshade Wood is part of Rockingham Forest. Corby and Stamford are the nearest towns. Fineshade is signposted from the A43, 9 miles northeast of Corby, and 6 miles southwest of Stamford. www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Walker, tel 01780 444920 or email sarah.walker@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Chris Johnson, tel 01223 346034 or email chris.c.johnson@forestry.gov.uk