HAMPSHIRE will be holding its very first Woodland Week from 7 to 15 June with events being held in and around Andover.

The week is designed to promote Hampshire's countryside with a substantial 20 per cent of the county covered in woodland. It features a range of activities across the county including a woodland ecology walk with TV presenter Chris Packham at Manor Country Park in Bursledon.

The event is organised by Hampshire County Council and is a great chance for people from all corners of the county to learn more about the heritage of Hampshire's woodland and the wildlife that lives in it today.

In Andover's Harewood Forest walkers will be able to take a guided tour to discover the Deadman's Plack.

The free walk takes place on Monday 9 June and will be led by Dale Greenwood, who will be telling the story of King Edgar's plot to murder one of his subjects.

It begins at 7pm at the Plough Inn car park in Longparish and finishes at 8.30pm. Places must be pre-booked on 01962 866502.

There are also events taking place in Basingstoke including a wood works exhibition and wood fair at the Milestones Museum and Oakley will be host to charcoal burning demonstrations.

For a complete programme of events visit the website www.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/woodfair or phone 0800 028 0888.