Forestry Commission - News - head and shoulders above the rest!

Woodland chiefs have put on their thinking caps to come up with the latest star turn at Chopwell Forest Festival - Indian head massage!

The tension-busting therapy will be on tap to soothe revellers’ nerves before they embark head-long into a riot of rustic fun in the 1,000 acre beauty spot, near High Spen, Gateshead.

Now in its 12^th year, the outdoor jamboree is the north’s biggest celebration of forest skills and eco-themed fun and takes place on 9 and 10 July.  Top attractions will include the daring 7-Stanes Extreme Mountain Bike Display Team, taking two-wheeled stunting to new levels, and a gravity-defying aerial dance troop, hanging about majestically in the branches.

But this year there’s even more, with festival organisers promising to reach parts of the body other events can’t! To mark the new Active Woods health-push, there’ll be a host of ways on offer to stimulate the senses. Chief Recreation Ranger, Richard Gilchrist, explained:

"Old favourites will be back including coracle making, yurt building and wood-turning, with plenty of hands-on activities so kids can prove they are chips off the old block. As always, the aim is to have loads of fun and try something new. But we’ve also lined-up aromatherapy, head massage and much more. It’s a way of showing folks how to slow down and chill out. You never know, it might make a new person of you!”

Elsewhere in the wood there’ll be oak bark peeling, hurdle making, tree top “zip” rides, forest theatre, eco-artists, horse-logging, charcoal burning, birds of prey, blacksmithing, archery and music.

And there’ll be crafts from the past proving there’s no time like the present.

The age-old skill of willow working will be demonstrated by apprentices from Somerset Willow, a company pulling ahead in a once dying industry by making products like green coffins!   And festival revellers can bury their heads in a good book by checking out the extraordinary timber-bound tomes of Steve Iredale from Staithes, near Whitby. Besides making books with wooden covers, Steve also runs book-binding workshops for schools throughout the North East.

Gates open from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm the following day. Entry is adults Ł4 and concessions Ł2. A family ticket (admits four) is available for Ł10. Car Parking is free. Further information from Richard Gilchrist on 01207 542231, email richard.gilchrist@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Alternatively, check the festival website at www.friendsofchopwellwood.tk

NOTE TO EDITOR
Chopwell Woodland Park is near Gateshead, between the villages of High Spen and Chopwell. Public transport information on 0870 6082608 (buses operate from Newcastle, Eldon Square and  The Metro Centre - services 47 or 47A).

Active Woods is backed by the British Heart Foundation and bidding to lure people into the forests to keep in trim and sooth over-worked minds. Research shows that spending time in woodlands reduces stress and promotes feelings of well-being. Further information at www.forestry.gov.uk/Active

Festival media calls to:
Richard Gilchrist on 01207 542231
Richard Darn on 01226 246351 / 0775 367 0038