It was the start of the One Tree project that will culminate at the National Forest Wood Fair in August, telling the story of how and why woodlands are managed.

During its life, a tree absorbs carbon, hosts wildlife, provides food, shelter and shade, and is a beautiful feature of the landscape. But, in creating The National Forest, it has always been recognised that some trees would be felled. In general, maturing woodlands need to be thinned and opened up to encourage different species to thrive. Some trees are taken out if they are in competition with stronger trees. Some are planted for timber and will be harvested and replanted.

The National Forest Wood Fair, held at Beacon Hill Country Park on August Bank Holiday Monday, demonstrates how people use the timber that � by necessity - comes out of the woodlands. An increasing number of people and businesses earn their living through the growing �woodland economy� that exists because of the Forest.

The One Tree project is this story in microcosm. A 60 � 70 year old oak tree had been identified for felling in Feanedock Wood, near Moira in Leicestershire. The National Forest Company (NFC) bought the woodland last year, and plans to extend it with more tree planting, but, importantly, it provides the NFC with the opportunity to demonstrate woodland management in practice.

Simon Greenhouse, Woodland Officer at the NFC, said: �We want people to understand that the cry of �Timber!� and the sound of chainsaws are not to be feared, but are occasionally a necessary part of looking after The National Forest as it matures.�

Some of the regular exhibitors at the Wood Fair have been invited to make items from the oak tree and display them at this year�s Fair, �badged� the One Tree project, to demonstrate the range of products that can come out of a single tree. The whole process will be documented and displayed in the NFC marquee.

Find out more about woodland management at the National Forest Wood Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2009. This will be the fifth annual National Forest Wood Fair and it just gets bigger and better. Don�t miss the live demonstrations of woodworking skills, craft displays and chainsaw sculpting. There�s plenty for children, with stories from the Wild Man of the Woods, birds of prey, craft activities, archery and the brilliant climbing wall.

Find out more about the woodlands � from tree planting to felling and the One Tree project. Talk to the experts and watch forestry in action from horse logging to tree trunk chippers.

Take a break in the Food Area where you�ll find a great selection of delicious locally produced food And that�s not all! There will also be an exciting lumberjack show, longbow displays, charity auction and a fascinating programme of talks on trees and woodland.

The Wood Fair is organised by the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council. It will run from 10am - 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. Admission charges include car parking and a programme and will cost adults �6, concessions �4 and a family ticket �14 (for two adults and three children).

Beacon Hill Country Park lies within the ancient Forest of Charnwood and is close to the attractive village of Woodhouse Eaves, just five minutes drive from Junctions 22 or 23 of the M1. The Country Park, owned and managed by Leicestershire County Council, with its craggy summit and panoramic views, is just one of the many visitor attractions across the three counties that make up The National Forest.

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Media enquiries: contact Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, or Simon Greenhouse, Woodland Officer, National Forest Company, on 01283 551211. For background 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 already trebled to 18 per cent and over 7 million trees have been planted.

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, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005, receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.