APF show returns to Ragley Estate

APF 2024 is by far the largest woodland, forestry, fencing, arboriculture, trees and timber show in the UK, with 300 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors expected over the three days of the show in September, organisers say.

One of the unique aspects of the 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 worth of machinery and around 2.5 miles of working machinery frontage to look at.

The machinery and equipment covers every aspect of tree and timber management – everything from seed to sawmill. It is not just focused on woodlands but covers maximising returns from all timber on the farm including individual trees.

You will be able to see a huge range of machinery for producing woodchips for wood fired boilers, firewood processing machinery and portable sawmills for producing planks and fencing materials from individual trees. Much of the machinery on show is designed for use in smaller woodlands and can utilise your existing tractor, telehandler or excavator.

Machines in action

Excellent grants are now available for tree planting and woodland management and you can get advice on all aspects of these from experts on site.

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 all 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 and Friday will see the traditional British post and wire fencing championships.

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 the largest display of traditional woodland crafts in the UK.

Championships

Craftsmen and women will be demonstrating such skills as charcoal making, basket weaving, coracle making, oak swill 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 the above you can watch some high-quality events including the World Pole Climbing Championships, the European Chainsaw Carving Championships, the APF UK Tree Climbing Challenge and the UK Forwarder driving championships. You can also have a go at tree climbing with a rope and harness and axe throwing.

Discounted advance tickets can be bought on the website or you can buy them on the gate priced £25. Full information about the show including a full list of current exhibitors can be found on the website www.apfexhibiton.co.uk. For further information contact the organisers directly.

Book your tickets to APF 2024.

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