We took the OneOak project to the general public during the three day Art, Design and a Taste of Summer craft fair at Blenheim Palace over the three day May Bank Holiday weekend.

Hundreds of people came to the stand to watch our film of the OneOak felling, to watch carvers from the Oxon & Bucks Branch of the British Woodcarving Association (Brian, Jeff and Liz), and to see original watercolours (Rebecca Hind), botanical drawings (Sarah Simblet) and photographs of the OneOak tree (Sam Scott-Hunter). Philip Koomen’s iconic Pondlife Bench attracted plenty of attention.

We really enjoyed talking to all who came to see us, especially the many discussions we had around the subject of sustainable woodland management.  For some people found the idea of felling a 160 year old tree was challenging but when we discussed the ideas behind the project and the notion of bringing Britain’s woodlands into management, often opinions changed.  Clearly the idea of using more locally-produced wood receives plenty of support but forestry, and foresters, need to work more on public communication.

We are extremely grateful to all the people who came to see us and joined with us in so many interesting discussions.  It was great to see some of the children from our partner schools coming along with their families.  We are especially grateful to those who supported use at the exhibition:

• Living Crafts (organisers of Art, Design and a Taste of Summer)
• Water colour artist Rebecca Hind
• Botanical Artist Sarah Simblet
• Furniture Designer Philip Koomen
• Wood carvers Brian, Jeff and Liz (from the Oxon & Bucks Branch of the BWA)
• OneOak stand designers Solid Art