Dartmoor National Park Authority

7 May 2008

Tree Boggets prepare to invade

Plymouth City Centre

Silva spirits and tree boggets will be loose in Plymouth City Centre this Saturday 10 May as part of the Plymouth Woodfair. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to make their own woodland creatures, nest boxes and willow bugs as part of a range of workshops for people of all ages.

Woodfair South West is bringing its popular show to the city for the first time in an attempt to raise awareness of the many products, skills and services that are connected with the region’s woods and forests.

There will be demonstrations from traditional pole lathe turners and green woodworkers such as south west artisans Bob Slade, Jeremy Rowett and Sean Hellman who will be turning blocks and planks of wood into works of art and practical furniture.

As well as being able to buy some of the best and most beautiful wooden arts and crafts in the south west, visitors will be able to sign up to a new tree-planting and nurturing scheme, purchase their copy of the recently launched ‘Plymouth Trees’ book, celebrating some of the city’s oldest trees and find out why woodfuels are likely to be one of the most important fuels of the future.

Organised by Woodfair South West, it’s a fitting green event for Plymouth which is one of 15 designated BBC Breathing Places Cities. The Woodfair South West, is a partner of the BBC’s campaign, brings together many local environmental organisations, such as Silvanus, Trees for Health and the Plymouth Tree Partnership with regional and national charities. Dartmoor National Park Authority is taking a major role, part-funding the event with money from its Sustainable Development Fund. Rupert Lane, the National Park Authority’s Principal Woodlands Officer, says it is a great opportunity for the National Park Authority to get its green feet into Plymouth,

'We’re really looking forward to bringing a bit of Dartmoor into the city,' he says. 'Dartmoor National Park is one of Britain’s breathing spaces, a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. Dartmoor’s ancient woodlands are places of inspiration and one of Dartmoor’s richest and most important habitats, supporting species of international importance. The National Park is so easy to access from Plymouth, with regular public transport and even a special bus service for cyclists and their bikes. A programme of guided walks has also been organised by the National Park Authority for the summer season to help you enjoy your local National Park. Come along to the Woodfair and find out more.'

Woodfair South West will be hosting the event in the piazza all day. Free-of-charge, it hopes to help people see the wood from the trees.

For more information call Woodfair South West on (01409) 221896 or visit www.woodfairsouthwest.co.uk.

Ends

Notes for Editors

For more information or photographs please contact Jacqui Orange on (01409) 221896; Jacqui.orange@devon.gov.uk

For Information from Dartmoor National Park Authority

Rupert Lane, Principal Woodlands Officer

Tel; (01626) 832093

Return to Dartmoor National Park Authority Partnership Project News Releases

This page last updated 7 May 2008

Page updated 7 May 2008