Wood festival draws in crowds (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Wood festival draws in crowds

THE WOODS of Westonbirt were alive with activity last weekend as crowds flocked to the Festival of Wood.

Hundreds of people turned out over the course of the bank holiday weekend to enjoy the annual festival which celebrates wood and woodcraft.

The event takes place beneath the beautiful and historic trees at Westonbirt Arboretum and draws in the visitors year after year.

This year one of the main attractions was the Sculptree competition which opened the festival.

Many of the magnificent wood carvings remained at the arboretum throughout the festival week for visitors to see.

The sculptures were auctioned off on Monday with all the proceeds going to charity.

One of the sculptures used a historic tree planted 200 years ago in the Forest of Dean by Lord Nelson. Dave Johnston turned the ancient oak trunk into a detailed sculpture featuring a portrait of the Nelson and the Victory.

As with previous festivals the festival also featured stalls and demonstrations of woodcraft techniques with everything from bonsai trees to carved boxes and baskets on display.

For more information on future events at Westonbirt Arboretum call 01666 880147.