MORE than 30 local wood workers will collect batches of kiln-dried Forest oak on Friday in a project designed to encourage a new local woodcraft industry.

"After felling, sawing and kiln-drying the timber, the project has now reached the exciting stage when local craft workers, joiners and others can actually use the Dean oak," said Forest Enterprise deputy surveyor Rob Guest.

Jointly sponsored by Forest Enterprise and the Countryside Agency, the project aims to find ways of using good quality oak timber from thinnings that will allow other oaks to grow to maturity.

"The project is all about supporting sustainable economic regeneration," said Catherine Mack of the Countryside Agency.

"In November we plan to have an exhibition of all the products that have been made using the timber.

"Next year a report will be produced, not only containing a summary of the experiment so far but also giving practical and business advice to anyone who may wish to take the project further."

The timber came from a stand of oak at Barnhill and was sawn with a portable sawmill. It is mainly in planks of 1in by 4in in 2metre or 2.5 metre lengths but larger planks and posts are available, and the distribution point is Castlemain, near Parkend.

Anyone who would like more details of the project can contact Forester Steve Holdsworth on 01594 833057.