YOU could see the wood for the trees at Milestones museum in Basingstoke - at the eighth annual Wood Fair.

More than 3,000 people turned out for the two-day event at the weekend, held as part of Hampshire Woodland Week.

Exhibitors at the fair were demonstrating the versatility of wood, both in the past and today.

"The wood fair is an educational event," said Jo Baker, senior countryside ranger with Hampshire County Council.

"It is about raising people's awareness of wood as a raw material and the many things it is used for."

Visitors were able to observe, and have a go at, a variety of skills, including thatching, wood turning and basketry.

The exhibition showing an owl being sculpted out of wood using a chainsaw drew a large crowd.

"People didn't have a go at that one - they just watched!" said Mrs Baker.

Story-telling throughout the day kept the children entertained, while they were also able to have a go at making toys.

And there were plenty of opportunities to buy wooden products from contemporary artists, including nameplates, puzzles, frames and furniture.