For the first time ever, the organisers of the National Forest Wood Fair are offering an extra 'early bird' discount for visitors who buy tickets in advance– but you only have until midnight on Sunday 31 May to grab one third off the gate price.

The National Forest Wood Fair takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August, in the beautiful setting of Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire.

It's a brilliant day out for everyone who loves trees, timber and woodlands. Over one hundred exhibitors and demonstrators take part, from lumberjack displays, chainsaw carving, pole lathe turning and horse logging to leatherwork, forest art, craftwork and an array of beautiful wooden gifts to buy.

Children will love tree climbing, eco art, coracle paddling and stories and songs from the Wild Man of the Woods. The Forest Food Festival will tempt you with a selection of delicious locally-sourced food and drink – sit and enjoy live music, woodworking masterclasses or simply take in the stunning view from Beacon Hill. 

Take advantage of the Early Bird discount and get one third off the gate price: families can bag a grand day out for less than £17!

To find out more and purchase tickets online go to www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk

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Media contact:  Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, National Forest Company, on 01283 551211; email: crowntreejones@nationalforest.org

For more information on The National Forest see www.nationalforest.org

Digital images are available. Contact media@nationalforest.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. 1. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.  Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial six per cent to about a third. No multi-purpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. To date the proportion of woodland cover in the Forest has more than trebled to 19.8 per cent and in 2012 HRH the Duke of Cambridge planted the eight millionth tree in the Forest.  

2. 2. Year by year, The National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest.  The National Forest provides environmental, social and economic benefits, including landscape enhancement, creation of new wildlife habitats and major new access and leisure opportunities. It is an excellent example of sustainable development – with environmental improvement providing a stimulus both to economic regeneration and to community pride and activity. 

3. 3. To achieve these objectives, the National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, working in partnership with landowners, local authorities, private business, voluntary organisations and local communities and has strong support from Government, politicians and the public.  The Company receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

4. 4. The National Forest Company's Triennial Review by Central Government in 2013 stated: “Many [stakeholders] stressed the need for the continued role of the NFC to maintain momentum and ensure that the long term aims for The National Forest are achieved. The importance of a 'truly sustainable landscape scale project' was stressed, with the need for continued objectives across a wide agenda including economic growth, woodland culture and habitat networks.” 

5. 5. In 2008, the National Forest Company and partners won the inaugural Sustainable Development UK Award, for their work in Ashby Woulds, at the heart of The National Forest.