Confor Woodland Show returns for first time in four years

Hundreds of visitors braved the conditions to head to the Royal Bath and West Showground, and were rewarded for their efforts in fine style. 

Highlights included the Wood-Mizer stand, which gave most people the chance to see the industry’s first battery-powered sawmill in action. The LT15 Wide prototype is the only one in the UK, but could be the future. Dave Biggs was on hand to demonstrate the machine, slicing douglas fir with ease.  

Elsewhere, B Price Mus-Max had brought along its specially-made chipper, which has been painted pink and blue to raise money for Cancer Research and Young Lives vs Cancer. 

Other major names at the show included Jas P Wilson, Fuelwood, Kawasaki, and Tubex. Approved Hydraulics, Marshall Agricultural, and Ufkes Greentec were among the brands to bring a wealth of machinery along to the event. 

As usual, the CWS proved the perfect place to discuss the latest goings on in forestry, both in England and the rest of the UK. Coming in the week the Forestry Commission had announced it was making changes to “speed up” the woodland-creation consultation process, there was much hope that this will have the desired effect in boosting the country’s stuttering planting rates. 

But not everyone was convinced the industry is moving in the right direction. 

Forestry Journal will have a full feature from the show in October’s edition of the magazine. We will also have comprehensive coverage across our social media channels.