FAMILIES flocked to the fifth annual RSPB Forage Festival at the weekend to experience traditional skills and crafts and enjoy the great outdoors.

The annual fun-packed day at Arne Nature Reserve on Saturday October 25 brought together local traders, food producers and skilled craftsmen and women for workshops and demonstrations.

Visitors got the chance to try their hand at a host of traditional crafts and activities, including bush craft, archery, potting and using a pole lathe, as well as lessons in knife skills, forage walks and crafts, all on offer in the great outdoors.

Demonstrations included bird ringing, ancient fire lighting, bronze casting and dry stone walling.

The free event also boasted a special attraction - Arne's hairy Mangalitza pigs - which are helping the RSPB manage areas of heathland at its reserve.

One of the event organisers Robert Farrington said: “I think there were getting on for 1,000 people there. It went really well. The hairy pigs went down very well - they loved having their tummies tickled. The archery was really popular, and so was Fleur the working horse pulling logs. People loved the venison spit roast and cheese and cider.

“I think everyone was really happy that this kind of event still goes on and the crafts and skills that people think have disappeared are still around. We're offering them a glimpse into history really - showcasing the local skills and crafts from Dorset and passing them on to the next generation.”