Muggle Magic!

James and Oliver Phelps, young actors known for their parts in the famous Harry Potter films as trainee wizards Fred and George Weasley, were in The National Forest in January planting trees at a site near Heather, Leicestershire.

The twins planted ash and birch trees. The characters Fred and George aspire to top of the range broomstick models with superb ash handles and individually selected birch twigs in the broom tail – hence the choice of trees to plant in the Forest. Broomsticks were on hand – but no magic powers unfortunately: real spadework was needed!

'We were delighted to welcome James and Oliver to the Forest,' said Viv Astling, Chairman, National Forest Company. 'The books and films have such a following, and the youngsters here had a great time planting trees and chatting with James and Oliver. Although a very light-hearted event, it gave an opportunity to demonstrate the native trees we are planting in the Forest, and to highlight the importance of linking tree planting with the future use of the timber. Equally, The National Forest is here for everyone, and there are many ways individuals, schools and other organisations can get involved and plant trees in the Forest.'

The twins stand tall at 6' 1" but the young ash trees they were planting were still taller than them. In between planting trees and signing autographs, James Phelps, 16, who plays Fred Weasley in the films, commented 'This is a great project to be involved with. I hope if more attention can be brought to The National Forest it will encourage more people to plant trees and to get out and enjoy the countryside.'

The twins were due to be filming again by the end of February, but had their school work to attend to in the meantime!