From tales of woodland life in years gone by to evening strolls in the forest, a new programme of events takes place in Winchester and the surrounding area as part of Hampshire Woodland Week from June 7th to 15th.

The week aims to celebrate the county's rich heritage of woodland and to encourage people to learn about its wildlife.

On June 11th, an evening talk by woodland specialist, Chris Howkins, at Hampshire Record Office in Winchester, will look at how trees have been used over the centuries.

There will also be an exhibition of maps, photographs, letters and other historic documents, illustrating the commercial and recreational uses of Hampshire's woodlands in times past and today.

Tobbok a place for the talk, ring 01962-846154.

For those who would prefer to experience Hampshire's woodland first-hand, an evening amble around Yew Hill Butterfly Reserve, near Oliver's Battery, takes place on June 10th at 6.45pm.

Walkers will meet at the end of Old Kennels Lane in Oliver's Battery.

In Chandler's Ford, on June 7th, a bat walk around woodland in Valley Park with the Hampshire Bat Group will give people the chance to see the creatures in their natural environment.

Anyone interested in taking part should meet at the Knightwood Leisure Centre of Skys Wood Road at 8.30pm.

The Woodland Week will culminate with the Hampshire Wood Fair, on June 14th-15th.

Organised by the county council's Countryside Service, the fair will see over 70 craftspeople and exhibitors, including basket weaving, cabinet-making and charcoal-burning, displaying their wares in the grounds of Milestones, Hampshire's living history attraction in Basingstoke.

There is an extensive programme of events throughout the county during Hampshire Woodland Week at country parks, woodlands, museums, libraries and schools.

For further information, visit www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/woodfair or phone 0800- 0280888.