VISITORS got a glimpse inside a working forest yesterday. The public was invited along to watch foresters at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, as they helped to produce the 120,000 tonnes of timber gathered annually from the county's woods.

Among the attractions was a £225,000 harvester, which can cut, trim and chop up whole trees.

Forester Mark Weston said: "Harvesters in action are an awesome sight, but they are also performing a crucial task.

"Well-managed forests, like Dalby, are producing a vital renewal resource, offering a green alternative to many other materials. Extracting timber efficiently keeps costs down, leaving more resources for wildlife and recreation projects."

The event was run by the Forestry Commission to show how it balances timber production with the conservation and expansion of wildlife habitats.

A second working forest day will be held on Thursday, August 19. Call (01751) 460378 for further details.