WHEN the mighty trees of Sherwood Forest are blown down in storms they are usually removed and burnt.

But a craftsman from Notts is using them to create unique furniture, meaning they can be preserved for years to come.

Patrick Turk, who comes from a line of furniture makers and french polishers stretching back to 1706, said: "All the trees used have fallen in recent storms or been damaged as a result of high winds.

"Making them into furniture creates a lasting legacy for these noble trees – people like the idea of having a piece of furniture made from Sherwood Forest wood."

Some of the trees he uses are 200-years-old.

He uses oak, sweet chestnut and yew to create everything from mirror frames and dining tables to chairs and chests, using traditional techniques.

He said: "I use some of my great-grandfather's tools. It's made using traditional methods and joints, not glue.

"They can last one hundred years, two hundred."

Moving the fallen trees is tricky work given their size and weight and the need to ensure the forest floor is not damaged.

Rotten wood is removed, branches cut off and the trunk chopped into eight-foot sections and turned into planks.

The wood can take 18 months to dry naturally before being put in a kiln for up to 18 weeks.

Mr Turk, 46, uses a solar-powered kiln to dry out the wood, meaning it can take longer than usual, but he believes it is important to be environmentally-friendly.

Prices for the pieces range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds and he makes about 15 items a year.

Buyers get a map of where the tree was and its location in relation to the legendary Major Oak, linked to Robin Hood, and Parliament Oak.

Parliament Oak, between Edwinstowe and Mansfield, is the tree where King John is said to have held parliament with his advisers in the 13th century.

Mr Turk said: "Every piece is unique so people know they are getting something exclusive.

"It's a great way of managing woodland with minimal impact on the environment.

"And being able to see the tree in its natural environment in the forest through to the finale of the finished piece is a tremendous buzz that few artisans ever enjoy."

Mr Turk currently only uses trees which have fallen on private land and pays for the wood he takes.

A selection of his creations are now on show at Rufford Gallery at Rufford Country Park, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week.

Diana Pasek-Atkinson, arts development officer at the council, said: "We're really excited to host an exhibition which has such strong local and historic connections.

"It combines trees planted as far back as the English Civil War with the skill and passion of generations of cabinet makers."