England

Woodfairs and other events in England.

Live crafts and festival of woods

Nr Reading, Berkshire

Variety of dates through the year.

Live Crafts offers you the opportunity to meet the craftmakers, see them working and purchase original, traditional & contemporary British art, craft, fashion and design.

Variety of dates and locations in the SE. See website for more details.

Capel Manor Gardens

20th - 21st April

Off Junction 25 on the M25

Capel Manor's annual show, sponsored by Husqvarna, with chainsaw carving, woodland crafts, try your hand at archery, let the kids climb and watch as Capel's students take to the trees to compete in the Speed and Work climb. Exhibitors will be there to demonstrate and showcase the latest machinery and techniques in the arboriculture and countryside industries plus you can find out about training opportunities.

More information on their website.

Silk wood fair

5th - 7th May 2012

Venue -  Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

Opening times 10am to 5pm daily.
Entry Adult £8, Concession £7, child 5-16 £3.
There will be many activities such as foraging guided walks and demonstrations of the many crafts and techniques used to manage the traditional woodlands at Westonbirt. These will include green chair making, coppice crafts such as hazel hurdles and charcoal making, hopefully traditional bread making with clay ovens too. Details will be available on our website in due course: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Weird and Wonderful Wood

12th and 13th May 2012

Haughley Park, Wetherden, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3JY.

For further details please phone Tarby Davenport on 01359 240724 or email tarby@tarbydavenport.com

This year’s two day event is set to feature even more demonstrations and workshops. Visitors will be able to meet over seventy artists and craftspeople, enjoy watching their practical skills and appreciate their work.
There will be new demonstrations including carving and sculpture, fine furniture making, musical instrument making (including flutes and drums), displays by traditional fletchers and bowyers, chain saw carving, hurdle making, wood turning, pole lathe turning, sign writing, as well as coracle making and wagon displays. There will be a working mobile sawmill on site, so if you want to bring your own tree, it can be cut for you!

Workshops, which everyone can take part in, include activities such as archery, willow weaving, spoon wittling, withy work, papermaking, pole lathe turning, scrap wood, puppet making, jewellery making, den building, and Monkey-do tree climbing.

Weird and Wonderful Wood is a two-day event for all the family celebrating all aspects of wood. It will include demonstrations of carving and sculpture, furniture making, musical instrument making, displays by traditional fletchers and bowyers, didgeridoo making, chain saw carving, hurdle making, wood turning, pole lathe turning, sign writing, as well as coracle making and wagon displays.
Workshops which everyone can take part in include activities such as archery, withy work, weaving, papermaking, pole lathe turning, scrap wood, puppet making and jewellery making.
For more information, see their website.

Devon county show

17th - 19th  May 2012

Westpoint, Exeter

Children (under 16s) go free on Saturday!

The Devon County Show in May prides itself on its traditional attractions - magnificent livestock, wonderful food and drink, inspiring flower and garden displays, stalls offering a wealth of goods, and lots of wholesome entertainment in six rings.

In the large woodland section within the country life area  look out for willow sculptures, tree nurseries, cob block making and woodland management.
An information centre is housed in the log cabin-style Wadsworth Pavilion and there's a full programme of demonstrations and exhibitions. Woodland experts are on hand to advise land owners about management techniques and diversification.

There are fantastic displays of Loggers Sports including Axe Racing, Axe Throwing and Precision Chainsaw Skills when members of the South West Axe Team show off their razor sharp racing axes and cross cut saws to demonstrate how ancient forestry skills have become a modern and exciting sport. The team are based in South Devon and consists mainly of those involved in land-based industries.

The Show has a friendly, family atmosphere welcomes visitors to the simple
pleasures of a really good day out where there is plenty to see and do and
no expensive extras.

"The Show taps into our nostalgia for the good old days," said Show
Secretary Ollie Allen, "Our line up is drawn from so much that is
first-class in our rural countryside and lets people enjoy time together
through the more uncomplicated pleasures of life."

For more information see their website.

Horse logging demonstration

27th May 2012

Scottish borders TBC

Please visit their website for more details.

Roydon Woods Woodfair

Hampshire

27th May 2012

Off Sandy Down, Setley, south of Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Hampshire. Grid Ref: SZ 315 997
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is hosting the Roydon Woods woodfair and local produce show at its Roydon Woods nature Reserve in the New Forest. Entry is free and there will be plenty of opportunity to have a go at traditional woodland crafts plus children's activities and locally produced food. Toilets and plenty of parking available.

For more information, please see their website.

Blackdown Hills Woodfair

7th July 2012

Park Farm near Wellington

The organisers of the Blackdown Hills Woodland Fair are promising that this summer’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

The fair, which takes place at Park Farm near Wellington  is a celebration of all things woody.
Blackdown Hills Somerset
1 mile from M5 junc 26
Signs on all major roads
Held in the woods and with 100 exhibitors from basket making to pole climbing.
if you with to exhibit contact admin@woodbiz.co.uk
More info coming on woodbiz site. www.woodbiz.co.uk
Activities and displays will go on throughout the day, with demonstrations including wood carving and furniture making, tree surgery and climbing, fire lighting, chainsaw carving, horse logging, saws and machinery, bow and hurdle making, willow work, and lots more.
In the woodland experience area, children can learn new outdoor skills and follow a special sculpture trail.  

Wood products will be on offer from a wide range of stalls, from small craft stands to log cabins.
Local food and drink, including cider, apple juice, wood-fired pizzas, fresh bread, fresh meat, ice cream, and tea and cakes, will be available all day.
The fair is organised by the Blackdown and East Devon Woodland Association and the Silvanus Trust. Host John Greenshields says:

“There was so much positive feedback from families last year, we had to do it again.  One family said they only came for an hour but stayed all day! ”
The Blackdown Hills Woodland Fair is open to the public from 10am. Under 16s get in free, while entry for adults costs £5 per person. There is free car parking and the fair will be signed on all major roads.

For more information and directions, see their website.

Great Yorkshire show

Harrogate

10th - 12th July 2012

Attracting over 125,000 visitors across three days is the Great Yorkshire Show, with the Forestry Events Arena being one of the most popular areas. 

2010 attractions included The Art or Chainsaw Carving, The Great British Poleclimbing Championship, Greenwood Sawmilling & Lumberjack competitions. 

A full list of 2011 attractions will be available on the website in March 2011.
Email: gys2011@yas.co.uk

Tickets approximately £20. You can see more information on the Great Yorkshire Show website.

South Downs Woodfair

21st and 22nd July 2012

Queen Elizabeth Country park, South Downs National Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is in the heart of the new South Downs National Park. The newest of the fifteen national parks in Britain, The South Downs National Park covers a massive area of spectacular landscape between Eastbourne and Winchester. Our SOUTH DOWNS WOOD FAIR is set in the glorious parkland at the foot of Butser Hill. This wonderful venue is perfect for our Wood Fair and is an inspiring setting for a fantastic weekend.

One of the objects of the National Park is to preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the area. Forest management, timber production and the use of wood in all it’s forms are integral parts of this heritage. With this in mind, Woodland Crafts are delighted to be able to stage the SOUTH DOWNS WOOD FAIR in this picturesque setting. Our Wood Fair showcases all aspects of wood, it’s production and it’s uses. On show we have everything from large forestry machinery to small scale craftsmanship in wood.

There is also a massive range of other crafts and exhibits on show. This may be a Wood Fair, but wood is by no means the only content! There’s plenty to interest the whole family. Craft makers, artists and designers in other categories are also a strong feature and the craft marquee at our Wood Fair is not to be missed. You can expect to find something special, inside and outside the marquees.

Amongst all this, there will be everything else needed to make the day special. Make the most of the refreshments and don’t miss the speciality food stands. Take in the entertainment and music as well as the craft demonstrations and activities. Look out for the jugglers and entertainers and expect some enjoyable surprises!

Bring the children and let them enjoy the rides and entertainment too. This really is a great day out for the whole family!

For more information please see their website.

New Forest and Hampshire County Show

Brockenhurst, Hampshire

24th  - 26th July 2012

For more information visit their website

National Forest Woodfair

26 and 27 August 2012

Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire

This woodfair supports sustainable forestry and woodland leisure, with a wide range or crafts, activities and equipment.

This annual event attracts thousands of visitors and more than one hundred exhibitors and demonstrators each year,  including tool suppliers and wood ready for turning and craft work.  Visitors enjoy seeing woodland crafts, lumberjack displays, horse logging and chainsaw carving displays. The crowd loved the pole lathe turners’ fast and frantic ‘Log to Leg’ race to turn a lump of wood into a pair of chair legs, a new addition to the programme last year.

There are always plenty of activities and attractions to keep the children busy, from eco art to greenwood crafts; from make your own pizza to scaling the climbing wall.
Grown-ups can have a go at pole lathe turning, woodland survival crafts or join the lumberjacks and try your strength on the massive cross-cut saw.

Pictures courtesy of National Forest Company

More information on their website.

Stock Gaylard Estate Oak Fair

Near Sturminster Newton, Dorset

Saturday 25th August 2012

The Stock Gaylard Oak Fair aims to showcase all aspects of timber from Tree
surgeons, large timber machinery to the individual craftsmen.  In 2009 we
had over 150 exhibitors in addition to many more who contributed to the
Re-birth of a Dorset Oak Exhibition.  Each year we introduce new exhibitors
and attractions.

Quote from a visitors book: "As veterans of many wood fairs and festivals this is way the best congratulations on a fantastic job!"

Adult tickets cost around £7, children only £2.70. Other concessions available. For more information visit their website.

Festival of the Tree, Westonbirt

Treefest

25th - 27th August 2012

Venue -  Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

 Treefest is Westonbirt, The National Arboretum's signature summer event that incorporates camping, woodcraft demonstrations, exhibitors, family activities and local live music. The result - a festival that truly celebrates all that our trees and nature inspire.

For more information, visit their website.

Woodworks

1st and 2nd September 2012

Forest Centre and Millennium Country  Park
Marston Mortaine
Bedfordshire
MK43 0PR

 

Woodworks! is the Forest of Marston Vale’s annual celebration of British trees, woodlands and wood products. This event, now in its 10th year brings together growers, arborists, farmers, crafts people, artists and enthusiasts from across the UK. It showcases new and traditional uses for native wood; demonstrates the renewable nature of wood; conveys the importance of trees to wildlife and offers visitors the chance to see and have a go at a range of traditional wood crafts. Amazing arena displays, childrens workshops, storytelling, real ale, local food and an outstanding line up of live folk and roots music throughout the weekend

For more information, see their website.

Lincolnshire Firewood fair and auction

Revesby Estate,  Lincolnshire

2nd September 2012

This event is free of charge!
 The event is aimed at promoting the use of local firewood by local markets. Members of the public can see the latest wood burning equipment, ask questions about burning wood, watch demonstrations about woodland management and purchase local produced firewood. Woodland owners can see what types of machinery are available to help them to manage small woodlands or process firewood and discuss there requirements with experts. Exhibitors this year will also cover trees and tree planting,arboriculture, woodland management and traditional woodland crafts.
Refreshments available.

For more information see their website

Wychwood Forest Fair

Sunday 2nd September 2012

An Aunt Sally competition, and a photographic competition featuring
Wychwood People, places and nature are  new for this year to add to the
usual mix of fun fair, Morris Dancers, an archery display, a  large
Second-hand book stall, tombola, grand draw, plant and produce stall and
lots more.

The Friends of Wychwood will be launching a public appeal for funds to
Plant-a-Tree on the site, as well as encouraging other local
conservation and community Groups to promote their own activities.

For further info visit their website.   Contact Michael
Drew on 01993 702624.

APF 2012

Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire

13th - 15th Sept 2012

The UK's Largest Forestry,Woodland and Arboricultural Exhibition.

The UK's largest woodland, forestry, trees and timber event.  250 exhibitors, 20000 visitors, a 2040m demonstration circuit featuring 2 miles of working machinery. Also featured are the Husqvarna World 25m poleclimbing championships, the European Chainsaw Carving Championships, the European Horse Logging Championships, the UK Forwarder driving championships, the World log to leg polelathe turning championships, UK tree climbing competition, axe throwing and an extensive working woodland crafts area and seminar programme.  Everything you ever wanted to know and see about trees and timber.

For more information, see their website.

Wild about Wood

15th and 16th September 2012

Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, Kew

Please see their website for more

Bentley Weald woodfair

21st - 23rd  September 2012

Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, Halland, near Lewes, East Sussex

BN8 5AF

This is a hugely popular event with a wide range of activities for everyone.

Including horse logging...

Definitely takes a whole day to see everything!

More information on their website .

Please remember, no dogs (except assistance dogs) are allowed at this event and are not to be left for prolonged periods in cars.

Derbyshire County Council Woodland Festival

 
22nd and 23rd September 2012
Elvaston Castle Country Park, Borrowash Road, Elvaston, Derby.  DE72 3EP
10am - 5pm
 
 

Come and join Derbyshire County Council's Woodland Festival, a celebration of traditional and contemporary woodland crafts.  Watch the expert woodcraft professionals at work, marvel at the skill of the horse logger and chainsaw carver, sample the campfire cooking or ‘have-a-go’ yourself at some of the crafts on display.  There will be horse and dray rides available or you could just take a walk through the magnificent Elvaston Castle gardens.  This is a weekend for everyone of all ages to enjoy with lots to see, do and experience.

 
For more information:
08 456 058 058
countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk

Ickworth House Suffolk, woodfair

6th and 7th  October 2012

 

A weekend for everyone to enjoy as woodcraft professionals and enthusiasts come together to demonstrate and sell their crafts.  This is a rare opportunity to buy quality wood from the Ickworth estate.  The fair includes live bands, locally brewed ales, pottery tent with Raku firing, plenty of local foods and produce and many craft stalls.

For more information, visit the website.

Past events, awaiting new dates

The Arb and Forestry Event

15th and 16th July 2011

The Arb and Forestry Event, presented by F R Jones and Son with Kingswood Training Services, is a return to the shows of old with its relaxed atmosphere and focus on the social side of professional networking. Held at Kingswood Training Services' top-class facility in Shipbourne, Kent on 15-16 July 2011, the show attempts to address the needs of all arb and forestry professionals.

Including competitions, demonstrations and seminars, there should be plenty to draw in the crowds; highlight of the show itinerary will be the 1st ever ISA UK&I ArborCamp. The show will also play host to the South East regional heat of the Arboricultural Association Arborist Tree Challenge (3ATC) competition.

For more, see their website.

East Midland Wood Fuel Fair - Kindling your enthusiasm

Not being held in 2011.
Top Lodge, Fineshade wood

Visitors young and old are sure to be amazed by the hair-raising displays of axe-racing and chainsaw sculpting. For those with a sense of adventure, the Arboriculture Team from Moulton College will be available to supervise and assist visitors wanting to try tree climbing using all the appropriate safety equipment. The team will also be demonstrating the equipment and techniques used in aerial rescues.

For people who prefer rather more sedate entertainment, there will be an impressive array of basket weaving, wood turning and cooking demonstrations, alongside a great range of stalls selling high quality wood crafts and furniture.

Woodfair, Joydons Wood

Dartford

20th August 2011

As part of a site investment project the Woodland Trust are hosting a Wood Fair to celebrate the conservation and heritage of Joydens Wood.  The event will be widely advertised and we expect around 500 people to attend.
Activities will include arts workshops: chalk carving, Roman and Saxon helmet making, Great Crested Newt making and willow bird feeders.  There will also be children’s battle re-enactment on the famous Faesten Dic, nature trails, guided walks and talks, mini-beast activities and pony rides from the car parking area to the event site in the heart of the woods.  There will be refreshments on site and a picnic area.
We would like to invite local groups to come to the event and participate…. You could have a stand to display information about your work, bring a demonstration of what you do, or run activities for the public to participate in…. or just come and enjoy the day!
You can also help us to spread the word by letting your contacts know about the event – whether they would like to come as participants, or with a stall or activity.
 
If you’d like to take part or for more information, please contact bec@samesky.co.uk or call on 07817 325 713 and let us know how you’d like to get involved.

For more information, visit their website.

Cranborne Chase Woodfair

8th and 9th October 2011

Larmer Tree Gardens, the home of Pitt Rivers in the 1800's on the famous Rushmore Estate.

Larmer Tree Gardens, the home of Pitt Rivers in the 1800's on the famous Rushmore Estate.

See the wood for the trees at the Cranborne Chase Woodfair, an event designed to celebrate the historic woodlands of the South West and the associated crafts and industries that it represents. From timeless crafts to contemporary designs; from modern day forestry techniques to the demonstration of a range of practical rural skills seldom found in today's woodlands, there is something for everyone.

The Woodfair offers a wonderful opportunity to follow the whole tree cycle - from forest to final form, and offers an inspirational, enjoyable and entertaining family day out. Run bi-annually and run and organised by the team at the Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a bi-annual two day event that attracts around weekend 7,000 visitors.  It also acts as a showcase for contemporary craft and local enterprises in the AONB but aims to avoid commercially, mass produced items favoured by county shows.

To date the event has been held at the well known Larmer Tree Gardens, the home of Pitt Rivers in the 1800's on the famous Rushmore Estate on the Wiltshire and Dorset borders.  Prices are competitive averaging £8 an adult £2 a child, with good discounts for advanced purchase.
2009 saw the introduction of the Woodworking Competition with prices for
Best Hand Held Piece - Sean Hellman with his hand carved bird
Most Functional – Mike Taffinder with his towel hook
Most Aesthetically Pleasing - Neil Taylor for a park bench
The People’s Choice - Rod Poynting for his ash chair

The Cranborne Chase Woodfair is an event designed to celebrate the historic woodlands
Register your interest
If you are interested in attending a demonstrator, trader, or volunteer, please get in touch with the office detailing your full postal and email contact so that we can keep you informed of details as they arrive. Email: info@woodfair.org.uk

See their website for more details.

South West Woodland Show

9th September 2011

Longleat Estate, Warminster, Wiltshire

(Photo by Ceri Hawke)

The event defied all expectations last year and 2011’s event is set to be the best yet. In 2011, ConFor will be teaming up with the FOREST Programme UK Trade Show and hopes to attract exhibitors from across the biomass industry supply chain to complement the wide range of forestry and timber businesses who already exhibit at the show.

More information can be found on their website.

Surrey Hills Woodfair

7th, ( invitation only) 8th and 9th October 2011, South of Guildford

The Surrey Hills  Wood Fair will be a celebration of wood and all that it offers, from biodiversity to renewable energy, with fun for all the family!

• Demonstrations
• Trade stands
• Coppice crafts
• Sculptures
• Wood stoves
• Wood boilers
• Local produce
• Refreshments available

  
Further information for demonstrators and stall holders can be obtained by contacting James on the following email address - jameslittle@surreyhillswoodfuel.org.uk

See more on their website.

South Yorkshire woodfair

Waiting for photos and more information.
For more details look at their website.

Naturefest

No show for 2012, new venue for 2012

For more information see their website

Woods at Work

Chilterns

The last one of these events was in 2008. No future dates have been planned

South West Woodfair

This event is longer running.

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