Jeff Higley is turning the trunk of a tree felled during a great storm into a work of art.

He is wielding a hammer and chisel to create a wooden version of the mythical character the Green Man to welcome thousands of visitors to Wakehurst Place.

Jeff is carving the figure from a chunk of centuries-old oak which came down on the Wakehurst Estate during the 1987 Hurricane. Wakehurst Place spokes-man Trevor Butler said: "When finished, it will take centre stage at the garden entrance to greet visitors as they arrive for the Woodland Skills Day on Sunday.

"It will really set the scene for what promises to be a fascinating day."

The event aims to show how people relied on woodlands to provide everyday items for the home, using many skills which have been long-forgotten.

As well as displays of traditional woodland crafts, there will be a flying display of woodland birds of prey.

Dancing and a demonstration of timber extraction using a working horse will also be featured.

The Skills Day runs from 10am to 5pm. Call 01444 894000.