Showing the importance of woods and trees

Organisers of the popular section are keen to encourage more of the 130,000 plus show visitors to drop by to discover fascinating facts about the country’s woods and forests.

Not only will expert craftsmen and women be pitting their skills competing in traditional crafts including marquetry and stick-making, they will also be able to stand on a mighty oak tree, seemingly growing out of the Woodcrafts Pavilion floor.

Forestry steward Will Richardson said: “We want people to understand what role trees, woodlands and forests play in our lives, the importance of biodiversity for our health and well-being, and for the rural economy.”

The 8m by 6m mural, entitled The Wandering Tree, will give visitors the illusion of standing on the highest branches of an oak tree – but the reality is they will be on a painting created by UK artist Joe Hill to promote the call for a national Charter for Trees, Woods and People. It is being brought to the show by The Woodland Trust, with the aim of promoting the importance of trees.

The value of woodland management is highlighted through the prestigious John Boddy Woodlands into Management Enterprise Award.

Competition organisers want to encourage woodland owners to put more of their woods and forests back into management – the winner of the John Boddy Trophy is announced on the event’s second day.

The Forestry Area’s popular Woodlands Photographic Competition, celebrating the splendor of the UK’s forests and woodlands, is making a welcome return. Photographers are being encouraged to submit landscape and macro pictures of their favourite wooded areas, with the work of 32 finalists displayed in the Woodcrafts Pavilion during the show. The deadline for entries is Friday June 3.

As ever, the Forestry Area’s main Arena is the focus for the hugely-popular Great British Pole Climbing Championships, which sees competitors shinning up two 80ft-high poles against the clock.