AS final preparations get under way for the country’s largest forestry and tree-care event, here’s a look at what to expect from APF 2024.
Taking place over three days from Thursday, September 19 to Saturday, September 21. For this year’s edition, organisers have ensured the exhibition is bigger and better than ever before – and they have a few aces up their sleeve to achieve just that.
Nearly 300 exhibitors and thousands of showgoers will head to Warwickshire’s Ragley Estate for the celebration of all things forestry and tree care. With a wealth of machinery on show – including some products that will be making their UK debuts – and a wide variety of products on display, it promises to be a fantastic three days.
MORE NEWS | Founded in 1964, Jas P Wilson supply machinery worldwide
“APF 2024 is almost upon us,” said APF’s exhibition secretary, Ian Millward. “The excitement is tangible. I hope this APF 2024 preview gives you a taster of the huge range of events, demonstrations and exhibitors that you will see at the show.”
Stuart Goodall, chief executive of industry body Confor (Stand 1710-1725 OUT), said: “The APF occupies a special place in the forestry calendar, bringing together people from every corner of forestry, arboriculture, wood products and biomass.
“It is a unique and valuable experience for anyone with even a passing interest in what our industry does.”
As well as old favourites, there are many new events and competitions to see and get involved in. Leading the way and sure to garner plenty of interest is the return of the UK Forwarder Driving Championships.
This is the first time in a number of years that the competition will take place at APF which will be a major boost for the show. Sponsored by Richard Court Forestry Engineering and Coombes Forestry, the contest will take place on a large 90m x 60m arena across all three days of the forestry exhibition.
It will see the country’s leading operators go head to head to determine who
is the best behind the controls of a John Deere 1110G.
“We feel the APF Exhibition is a great place to show that forestry is robust and still capable of growth,” a statement from Richard Court read. “Supporting events like the APF Exhibition brings a real exposure to the industry, also educating a new generation and being able to show how the latest developments in equipment and technology are helping the forestry industry become efficient and safe.”
Elsewhere, a record prize pot will be up for grabs during the Husqvarna World 25m Poleclimbing Championship. The £10,000 prize fund consists of a mixture of cash and Husqvarna goods, with the winners of the expert, tree surgeon, and ladies’ classes all receiving one of the manufacturer’s leading saws, the 540 XP III.
The best time for a beginner and a veteran will win a Spire Vent X Arborist helmet. Cash prizes are available for the fastest climbs in all three main categories each day, as well the finals on the Saturday.
The Poleclimbing Championship is just one of the many highlights to be found in Husqvarna’s ever-popular Area, which will also feature an expansive product display area and live demonstration zone of the latest machinery from the manufacturer. New for 2024, Husqvarna will have a VR simulation where visitors can wear a VR headset and play ‘Husqvarna Limberjack’ – an opportunity to grab your virtual chainsaw and pursue your dream of becoming the greatest limber alive.
A Husqvarna spokesperson added: “Visitors can also explore a variety of PPE and selected accessories and will have access to a workshop zone, where Husqvarna’s staff will be on hand to offer technical advice, product support and customer assistance.
Other standout events at the show include the AW Jenkinson and Tilhill European Chainsaw Carving competition, which sees 25 of Europe’s top carvers compete over the three days to produce a fantastic sculpture. These will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon. There will also be two daily speed carves with eight carvers having just 30 minutes to complete a sculpture.
The new APF Team Tree Climbing Challenge is a speed event for teams of two climbers to achieve the most points in the shortest time. Sponsored by Pfanner and Teufelberger, there is a top prize of £500 for the overall winning pair along with a trophy and some great goody bags.
The Forest Worker and the Arb Workers zones will have a wide variety of daily practical demos and workshops as well as many others focusing on training. There are also the UK’s largest and most varied demonstrations of traditional woodland crafts and horse logging.
Add the UK Lumberjack championships, the British Fencing championships, and axe throwing – returning to the show for the first time
in 22 years – to the mix and it’s easy to see why APF remains a highlight on the forestry calendar and an event not to be missed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here