Roydon Woods Woodfair
26 April 2012
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, are holding their annual Wood Fair and Local Produce Market on Sunday May 27th, 11am – 4pm at Roydon Woods - one of the Trust’s nature reserves in the New Forest, near Brockenhurst.
The aim of the day is to inspire people about the value of woodlands for wildlife as well as showing their importance as a source of wood for local wood workers. The woods are made up of ancient woodland, heath and meadows and are a wonderful backdrop to this fantastic free event, suitable for all the family.
Many local wood workers will be showing off their skills. There will be wood craft demonstrations including wood turning, wood lathes, cleaving oak, hurdle making, making charcoal, wooden toys, besom brooms and walking sticks. If you fancy having a go at some of the traditional crafts, there will be plenty of expertise on hand to encourage and help you.
There is also plenty for the younger visitors to do. Children can make a wooden pendant, draw with some Roydon Wood charcoal, make willow sculptures and wands, There will also be story telling and woodland adventure sessions. Both adults and children will be able to view a host of woodland moths, dissect owl pellets and join us for exciting guided walks in the woods.
Another major aim of the day is to help promote the produce of members of the New Forest Marque. The Marque was created to provide a recognised sign that is easily identified and ensures that all produce is from the New Forest. Over a dozen New Forest Marque producers will be attending and selling their produce. Products range from: cakes, bread, meat, ice cream, strawberries, honey, biscuits and jams to woollen products, soap, cards and chutney!
Entry to the event is free, though donations are always welcome. You could always become a member and help support us over the coming year. So why not come along for a great day out.
To get there, take the A337 south out of Brockenhurst towards Lymington past the Filly Inn pub on your left. Take the next left turn sign posted to Boldre Church (the sign is quite small). You are now in Sandy Down; drive along Sandy Down for approximately 0.5 of a mile and the entrance to the site is on your left and will be sign posted.
For further information visit the web site www.hwt.org.uk or contact Sarah Hayward or John Durnell on 01489 774400.
Roydon Woods is part of the New Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) covering over 950 acres. There is a rich diversity of plant and animal species, making it an exciting place to visit. There are over 350 species of flowering plant, 120 species of lichen, and over 900 species of fungi. Of course there is a wide variety of birds to be seen, and mammals include deer, foxes, badgers, wood mice, bank voles, hedgehogs, moles, stoats and weasels.
Full details of Roydon Woods, the Wood Fair Event, and all our nature reserves can be found on www.hwt.org.uk
