Crowds turn out for mechanical marvels

30th July 2010

Picture shows: ten year old Lucy Kelly from Newcastle on a working forest tour

CROWDS TURN OUT FOR MECHANICAL MARVELS

Timber tourists looked on as trees planted in the swinging sixties got the chop – but all in a good cause.

The Forestry Commission has begun working forest visits to allow the public to see behind the scenes in Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Harvesting over 400,000 tonnes of timber every year is a big undertaking involving hi-tech harvesters and lorry drivers who take out 50 wagon loads every day.

Working forest visits take place every Tuesday until 31 August and again on 26 October, but booking is required on 01434 250 209.

Chris Slater, district forester, said:

“We're offering people a grandstand view as the harvesters go about their work, deploying a mechanical claw capable of felling and stripping trees in second and cutting them to precise specifications. Our harvesting programme not only supplies wood processing plants across Britain, but it’s shaping the landscape for the better. Our long term drive is to broaden habitats and diversify tree species in Kielder, making this spectacular place even better.

Since it was planted after the First World War, Kielder has become crucial to the British economy. About 25% of all England’s timber production is grown in the forest. Wildlife has also felt the benefit, with Kielder being the English stronghold for red squirrels and home to ten sites of special scientific interest. Many of the trees being felled had been planted in the 1960s are now at the right age for felling.

Tours set out at 2pm and the cost is £8. For more information go to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

Media calls: Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.