APF, Elmia Wood, and ICF: Looking ahead to 2022's forestry events

Having been left to gather dust in a drawer for much of the last 24 months, our diaries are bursting at the seams with upcoming events as forestry tentatively gets back to some sort of normality. 

We've brought together a list of some to keep an eye on. It's, of course, just a snapshot and there are so many more setpieces we can't wait to finally be at again; many for the first time since the pandemic began. 

READ MORE: 5 vehicles Forestry Journal reviewed in 2021 every forestry worker needs to consider

Such is the ongoing uncertainty over Covid some events have already been cancelled (here's looking at you Agritechnica) and others postponed to later in the year (like the  LAMMA show). But it looks increasingly likely that others will take place as normal and make a welcome return to our calendars.

Oh, and just a quick bit of housekeeping before we begin. We aren't soothsayers here, so all the following details are correct at the time of writing and subject to change. 

With that out of the way, let's get into it. 

APF 

Warwickshire, England 
September 22 until 24 

Where else could we start than with the premier event in forestry's calendar? APF is the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboriculture, fencing and biomass show, catering not just for those industries but is of significant interest to the farming industry. 

In brief, it's a big deal. Like most events, however, it has been hit by the pandemic with 2020's show cancelled due to restrictions at the time. 

READ MORE: APF 2022: Ian Millward offers an update on preparations

Now it's back and organisers are ramping up preparations with more than 170 companies having already booked space for APF 2022.

As the official media partners of the show, Forestry Journal is the place to read the latest updates and just this month Ian Millward, APF's secretary, wrote: "We are noticing a definite ramping up towards APF 2022, despite it still being 10 months away.

"In the last few weeks there has been a steady stream of exhibitors booking sites." 

So, fingers crossed, we'll see you all there in September. 

NOTE: Since this was published, it has been confirmed the ARB Show will merge with APF this year and also take place in September. 

READ MORE: Forestry Journal's newsletters bring you all the latest from the best forestry writers

For tickets, visit: https://www.apfexhibition.co.uk/

Elmia Wood 

Jönköping, Sweden 
June 2 until 4 

"It's never been more essential," declared Elmia Wood's fair manager Ange Bengtsson in a recent statement and we'd agree. Like many events, the Swedish showpiece was put on ice due to the pandemic, with organisers delaying it by more than a year in a bid to get past the worst Covid restrictions. 

While it won't be as big as before, Elmia will still mark an much-anticipated return to some sort of normality for us all. It's a place for forest owners, entrepreneurs and forest officials to meet, where ideas are developed, contacts made and businesses created. 

READ MORE: Elmia Wood postponed until 2022

Like previous editions, the 2022 fair will be held in the forest at Bratteborgs gård south of Jönköping. Priority will be given to filling the small-scale trail but the fair will continue to focus on forestry as a whole.  

The programme details have not yet been decided but what is definite is that Elmia Wood 2022 will focus on tomorrow’s forestry in a sustainable world. 

We can't wait! 

For tickets, visit: https://www.elmia.se/en/wood/

Interforst

Munich, Germany 

July 17 until 20

HAVING seen record crowds during its 2018 show - the last to take place - organisers of Interforst are confident they can go even further this year, despite pandemic-related concerns.

INTERFORST 2022 will occupy around 80,000 square meters — 11,000 square meters of hall space in B6 and 69,000 square meters of outdoor space. In total, around 450 exhibitors and more than 50,000 visitors are expected.

READ MORE: INTERFORST shares positive outlook for 2022 show

For 2022, the topics of ‘Forest Conversion/Climate Change,’ ‘Forest Maintenance and Utilization Lines’, and ‘Forest Technology and Digitalisation’ are the centre of attention in the congress and forum area.

Petra Westphal, Exhibition Director at INTERFORST, recently said: “We are fully on course with the figures and planning. As of now, there are even signs of a slight growth in internationalisation." 

For tickets, visit: https://www.interforst.com/en/

ICF National Conference 

Glasgow, Scotland 
April 26 and 27 

For the first time in more than two years the ICF National Conference will take place face-to-face.

With the theme of 'Climate Smart Forestry: A Focus on the Fundamentals', 2022's event will build on what was discussed during 2021's online only show but shine a spotlight on the UK's perspective, focusing on the expert practitioners ‘on the ground’ and showcasing several inspirational case studies from across the sector.

READ MORE: ICF National Conference 2021: Climate-smart forestry dominates discussion

Organisers say: "Our trees and woodlands are increasingly being relied upon to deliver on a wide range of objectives, including climate change mitigation, wood products, biodiversity, recreational use and health benefits.

"Together with an overhaul of agricultural support across the UK, this brings many opportunities as well as challenges – join us at our National Conference 2022 as we prepare to meet those challenges head on." 

We have no doubts it will be as interesting as always! 

For tickets, visit: https://www.charteredforesters.org/event/national-conference-22-climate-smart-forestry-a-focus-on-the-fundamentals

Game Fair 

Warwickshire, England  
July 29 until 31 

We return to Warwickshire for the final entry on our list and we just couldn't leave out the Game Fair, even if it isn't strictly forestry-centric. Boasting more than 800 exhibitors and activities based around shooting, gamekeeping, fishing, falconry and much more, it still has plenty to offer for woodlands enthusiasts. 

As one of the few major events to take place last year, 2021's show was the highlight for many and Forestry Journal was there to soak up all the fun of the fair. 

READ MORE: The Game Fair 2021 show report: All the fun of the fair

As it stand, the event will be going ahead, with organisers last writing: "Happy New Year from the whole Game Fair team, we can't wait to see you all again in 2022!" 

For tickets, visit: https://thegamefair.org/

For all the latest on 2022's forestry events, keep an eye on our website or subscribe to our newsletters to have the latest updates straight to your inbox,