APF 2024 expected to draw crowds
24th August 2024
The UK’s largest woodland, forestry, fencing, arboriculture, trees and timber show (APF 2024) is expected to pull in 300 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors.
One of the unique aspects of the APF show is that much of the machinery can be seen working under realistic conditions on the demonstration circuit. In total there will be over £80 million of machinery and around two and a half miles of working machinery frontage to look at.
The machinery and equipment covers every aspect of woodland, tree and timber management. It is not just focused on woodlands but covers maximising returns from all timber on the farm including individual trees. Almost every manufacturer and dealer of woodland and arboricultural machinery are exhibiting.
Vast machinery
All aspects of timber utilisation are on display, from chippers producing woodchips from waste timber to the biomass boilers to utilise the chips, firewood processing machines, charcoal kilns and portable sawmills to convert one log into utilisable fencing posts and planks. Much of the machinery on show is designed for use in smaller woodlands and can utilise your existing tractor, telehandler or excavator.
You can get advice on woodland creation, management and the latest grant schemes. Nurseries can assist with species choice, sizes and site suitability. Excellent grants are now available for tree and hedge planting, woodland and deer management and you can get advice on all aspects of these from the Forestry Commission on site.
Industry training provider Lantra can also advise on its full suite of practical skills courses covering the land-based sector.
APF 2024 Fencing
One of the key features of the show is the Fencing Village. All the major fencing manufacturers of equipment and materials are exhibiting and you can watch the machines in action and see the latest materials and techniques.
On Thursday 21st the show will host the British Quick Fencing Championships using the latest Clipex fencing, now approved for grant aid and Friday will see the traditional British post and wire fencing championships. If you want to know anything about fencing this is the best place in the UK to be, organisers say.
Expert demonstrations and contests
Although the show features the latest state-of-the-art machines, more traditional woodland management is not neglected. The British Horse Loggers will be demonstrating how horse extraction can be used on sensitive sites and you can even try your hand at handling a timber horse.
There is also the largest display of traditional woodland crafts in the UK. Craftsmen and women will be demonstrating such skills as charcoal making, basket weaving, coracle making, oak swill baskets, hazel whisket baskets, rake making, clogs, wheelwrighting, pole lathe turning, dug out canoes, hazel hurdles amongst others. If you want to know what a Sussex Pimp is, this is the place to find out!
In addition to all the above you can watch some high quality events including the Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships, the A W Jenkinson & Tilhill European Chainsaw Carving Championships featuring 25 of Europe’s top carvers, the APF UK Team Tree Climbing Challenge, the UK Forwarder Driving Championships and the British Lumberjack Championships. There is a full series of seminars on topical woodland issues including carbon credits.
If you fancy becoming a tree surgeon there is a have-a-go tree climbing area where you can ascend into a tree with a rope and harness and test your head for heights and, after watching the professional axemen, try your hand at axe throwing.
The show is a great opportunity to see what happens in a modern working woodland, everything from seed to sawmill, and explore possible new careers in the industry. APF 2024 will be hosting guided tours for 800 school children as well as students and graduates, with experts on hand to give career advice.
The event will take place at Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ on 19th, 20th and 21st September. Discounted advance tickets can be bought on the website or you can buy them on the gate priced £25. There is a campsite on site. Full information about the show including a full list of current exhibitors can be found on the website: www.apfexhibiton.co.uk or for further information contact the organisers directly.
More information on APF 2024.
