The clock is being turned back in Chambers Farm Wood, Lincolnshire, with the unveiling of a magnificent building straight from the pages of history.

The medieval-style structure, costing £55,000, is the result of a pioneering project to preserve traditional crafts and provide better visitor facilities in the 360-hectare (900-acre) wood, near Wragby, east of Lincoln. It has taken 12 months to build and uses beams weighing over a quarter of a tonne, shaped by hand from giant timbers using only historic tools like an adze, a kind of side axe, which dates back thousands of years. All the parts were then painstakingly assembled using old fashioned carpentry joints and wooden pegs – not a modern screw or construction manual in sight!

The scheme has been undertaken by the Forestry Commission as part of the Lincolnshire Limewoods Project, backed by the Heritage Lottery. The official opening was performed by Eddy Poll, Lincolnshire County Council's Executive Councillor for Economic Development.

The building will form a spectacular gateway into woodland, housing an information point and wildlife displays, and is part of a major upgrade to facilities which has also included the refurbishment of the forest classroom and provision of new toilet block, costing a total of £125,000.

People will be able to admire the craftsmanship for themselves when the building takes centrestage for the 3rd Limewoods Working Woodlands event in Chambers on 13/14 September. For more details on this free event – showcasing ancient skills and celebrating the natural beauty of the Limewoods – go to www.limewoods.co.uk

Masterminding construction was professional wood worker Rob Ley, 55, from Skendleby, Lincs. He worked closely with experts from the Forestry Commission, who manage 3,000-acres of the Limewoods, including Chambers, and also forestry students from Riseholme College (Lincoln University), Lincoln. As part of their studies they helped select and fell local oaks trees and were then shown how to shape and dress them using a side axe, cross-cut saw and an adze. Their involvement was a key project aim –helping to introduce a new generation to the building techniques that have stood the test of time.

Liz Fleuty, Limewoods Project Officer, said:

"Timber-framed buildings were once commonplace in the landscape as farms or domestic buildings, but very few remain, particularly in this part of Lincolnshire. Having a building that reflects traditional materials and techniques will be a unique addition to Chambers Farm Wood. We are thrilled by the results, particularly knowing that traditional skills are being preserved in the county.”

The structure has been roofed using handmade pantiles from Barton upon Humber, North Lincs. Rob Ley added:

“We have turned standing trees into a substantial building by following in the footsteps of medieval craftsmen. They knew a thing or two about efficient design and sustainability. I’m confident this building will last a very long time. Keeping old crafts alive is important and I hope the project inspires others to carry on our traditions.”

Andy Medhurst, Forest Management Director with the Forestry Commission, said:

“The Limewoods are a magical place and one of Britain’s woodland gems. This is the perfect building for this stunning environment.”

Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351 / 0775 367 0038 or Liz Fleuty 01522 554831 / 07917 780471.

Note to editor

The Limewoods contain the UK's greatest concentration of woodlands characterised by small-leaved lime as well as many historic sites and ruins. The £1m Limewoods Project, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Forestry Commission, Lincolnshire County Council and Natural England, is seeking to enhance and promote this valuable asset, giving the area the national and local recognition it merits.

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 can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk