The Forestry Commission organises hundreds of events for visitors all year round. Here is July’s listing of events and activities around the region:

Throughout July
Red Kite Cameras
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Live images are being relayed from an active Red Kite nest back to Top Lodge visitor centre for visitors to enjoy all this month. Come and follow our chicks progress before they fly the nest!
Start/duration: Visitor centre is open daily from 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free (car park charges apply)
Meet: at the RSPB Shop and The big barn are showing the images.
Booking: No need to book. For more information contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Every Wednesday
Get Active Health Walk
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
This regular walk is designed to increase your general fitness, whatever level you’re at. By stopping for a friendly coffee at the on site café afterwards, it’s a chance to meet new people too.
Start/duration: 1:30pm for 45mins walk
Cost: Free
Meet: at the main car park
Booking: No need to book. For more information contact Jenna Parton, East Northamptonshire Council on 07725 422871
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Every Saturday
Woodland Walks
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
More than 30 different species of bird live and breed in Fineshade wood – come along and experience the sights and sounds of this fabulous woodland.
Start/duration: 10:00am / one and a half hours.
Meet at: the RSPB shop.
Cost: £2.00 per person, children under 16 free.
Booking: No need to book. For more information please contact the RSPB on 01780 444691.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Saturday 5th July
Craft 5 Fayre
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Local craftsmen will have their wares on sale, such as turned wood products, jewellery, bags and art.
Start/duration: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Meet at: the Craft Courtyard, Big Barn, Little Barn and elsewhere around the visitor centre.
Cost: free (car park charges apply)
Booking: No need to book. For more information please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920

Sunday 6th July
RSPB Family Fun Day: Homes for wildlife
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Games and activities for the family. Find out how to encourage more wildlife in your garden.
Start/duration: 11:00am – 3:00pm drop in any time
Meet at: the Big Barn
Cost: £2.50 per child,
Booking: No need to book. For more information please contact the RSPB on 01780 444691.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Sunday 6th July
Salcey Saunter
Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Enjoy an 8 mile walk through ancient Salcey Forest in the relaxing company of ranger Andy Patmore. Find out how the wood was managed in the past, and our future plans. Bring a packed lunch and money for a drink at the pub (no food available). Children and dogs on leads welcome.
Start/duration: 10:00am / five hours
Meet at: Salcey Forest main car park.
Cost: £5.00 per adult, £2 per child
Booking: Essential. Please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Salcey Forest is on the Quinton to Hanslope road, about 6 miles south west of Northampton, and very close to Hartwell village.

Wednesday 9th July
Return of the Red Kite
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Come along and hear about the red kites and their amazing return to Fineshade woods.
Start / duration:
Cost: £2 per person
Meet: at the Little Barn
Booking: Please book in advance – places limited. For more information please contact the RSPB on 01780 444691.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Wednesday 9th July
Birdwatching for Beginners
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Learn how to spot and identify the birds in your garden and in the wider countryside. Pick up hints and tips from the experts..
Start / duration: 6pm – 7:30pm
Cost: £2 per person
Meet: at the Little Barn
Booking: Please book in advance. Places limited. For more information please contact the RSPB on 01780 444691.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Sunday July 13th
Art walk in Salcey Forest
Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Local artist Linda Johns will be leading a guided walk through Salcey Forest. Join her for a fascinating insight into her work and the inspiration behind it.
Start/duration: 3pm, approx 1.5 hours
For more details of the event and to book a place please contact Linda on 07914 265361, or salcey@lindajohns.com

Sunday 13th July
Lotions and Potions from Woodland Herbs
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Join medical herbalist Jane Clark to discover the folklore and practical uses of woodland plants. Wear old clothes and bring an old pair of gloves. Event not suitable for under 10’s and all under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Start/duration: 10:00 – 13:00
Meet at: the Little Barn
Cost: £12.00 per person to include materials and refreshments
Booking: Essential. Please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd July
Family Forest Craft Days
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Bring the family for a day of making map-sticks, lanterns, masks and lots of other fun activities and games.
Start/duration: 11:00am – 15:00pm
Meet at: the courtyard
Cost: £8 per child.
Booking: Essential. Please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July
Woodcraft Fayre
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Local craftsmen will have their wares on sale and demonstrating their art – including wood carvers, wood turners, furniture makers and flute makers to name a few.
Start/duration: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Meet at: the Craft Courtyard, Big Barn, Little Barn and elsewhere around the visitor centre.
Cost: free (car park charges apply)
Booking: No need to book. For more information please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920

Tuesday 29th July
Family Nature Walk
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Join the ranger for a walk through this beautiful woodland to learn about the plants and animals that make it their home.
Start/duration: 11:00am / two hours.
Meet at: the courtyard
Cost: £5.00 per adult, £2.50 per child.
Booking: Essential. Please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Wednesday 30th July
Family Tree I.D.
Bourne Woods, South Lincolnshire.
A fun and informative morning learning how to identify trees in the summer, using buds, bark and other clues. Bring a drink plus notepad and pencil.
Start/duration: 10:30am / two hours.
Meet at: the old ash tree
Cost: £3 for adults, £1 for children.
Booking: Essential. Please contact the Forestry Commission on 01780 444920.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Wednesday 30th July
Birdwatching for Kids
Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire
Get the youngesters interested in wildlife with our child friendly introduction to birds. Learn about our feathered friends then go out into the woods to find them.
Start / duration: 10:30am – 12pm
Cost: £2 per person
Meet: at the Little Barn
Booking: Please book in advance – Places limited. For more information please contact the RSPB on 01780 444691.
Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby.

Notes to Editor

1. The Forestry Commission run two main visitor centres in the region which are open all year round and are packed full of things to do for all the family.
   
2. Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods – Nestled in the heart of Rockingham Forest. This brand new centre incorporates all ability paths, horse & cycle trail, Café, RSPB shop, children’s play area, toilets, picnic areas and more besides for a wider woodland experience. Top Lodge is in the village of Fineshade, which is signposted off the A43 between Stamford and Corby. For more details visit www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge
   
3. Salcey Forest – Home of the famous Tree Top Walkway which allows visitors to climb to 20 meters above the canopy and enjoy fantastic views across the region. Other facilities to make a great day out include Forest Café, children’s play area, surface trails, horse & cycle routes, toilets, picnic areas and orienteering course.
   
   Salcey Forest is on the Quinton to Hanslope road, about 6 miles south west of Northampton, very close to Hartwell village. For more details visit www.forestry.gov.uk/salceyforest
4. · 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 www.forestry.gov.uk.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Cheryl Joyce or Jo Roberts, on 01780 444920.