Scale the heights of one of the magnificent oaks in Beacon Hill Country Park at the National Forest Wood Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August.

Goodleaf Tree Climbing will be setting up camp at Beacon Hill to offer their award winning tree-top experience in The National Forest. Visitors to the Wood Fair can climb up into the canopy of one of Beacon Hill's great oak trees, free of charge.

Potential climbers first learn the ropes with qualified and experienced instructors, then, using the latest gear, ascend into the branches and try out their new tree climbing skills. At the top, they will enjoy stunning views out over the growing National Forest.

Anyone aged eight and over can have a go at tree climbing; all climbers are equipped with full harness, rope and helmet, and use ropes to climb into the canopy. There will be ticketed climbing slots to make sure visitors can enjoy the whole Wood Fair, secure that their tree climb is 'booked in'.

Richard Drakeley, Tourism Development and Promotions Officer of the National Forest Company, said: “Tree climbing is a fantastic new experience for visitors to the Wood Fair, and really makes the most of the wonderful location we have at Beacon Hill Country Park. It will be a unique experience to ascend the ropes through the leafy branches and climb up to the top of one of those beautiful oak trees: those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a wonderful view over the Wood Fair site itself and out over the Forest.  I can't wait!”

This year sees the tenth anniversary year of the National Forest Wood Fair and over 100 demonstrators and exhibitors will be at the event on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August. There will be a packed programme of have-a-go activities, demonstrations of woodland crafts and timber machinery and loads of lovely items to buy made from sustainably sourced wood. Many stalls offer free activities for children, including coracle paddling, eco art, pyrography – and tree climbing.

It's a great day out for all the family and perfect for those who love trees and woodlands. Expert woodturners, sculptors and greenwood craftworkers share their tips in a series of woodworking masterclasses. The Forest Food Festival offers inspiring cookery demonstrations and an array of delicious locally-sourced food and drink on sale throughout the day.

Early-bird discount tickets for the National Forest Wood Fair can be bought online at www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk and are on sale at Ashby de la Zouch and Swadlincote Tourist Information Centres. All tickets bought in advance attract a 20% discount on the gate price.

A family of two adults and up to three concessionary tickets can have a great day out for just £20. (Concessionary tickets apply to children and/or senior citizens; under -fives go free.)

Where else can you get a fun day out for the whole family on a Bank Holiday Monday for just £20?

Tickets on the day will cost £9 (adult), £6 (concession), family £25.00 (two adults and up to three concessions).

The National Forest Wood Fair is organised by the National Forest Company in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, and is supported by local business Coalville-based Vitax, one of the UK's leading specialists in the manufacture of garden and horticulture products.  The National Forest Wood Fair takes place at Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire, just five minutes from the M1 motorway, junctions 22 and 23.

For more information see www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk

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Media contact: Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, National Forest Company, 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. 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 19.5 per cent and in 2012 HRH the Duke of Cambridge planted the eight millionth tree in the Forest.

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. 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. 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. 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.