Forestry Journal looks at some of the events happening across the UK and around Europe that you won’t want to miss in 2025.
AS the forestry sector continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for professionals in the industry, with a host of key events, shows, and conferences across the UK and Europe.
Whether you’re a seasoned forestry manager, a landowner, or a supplier of forestry equipment, these gatherings offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers, discover the latest innovations and stay ahead of the curve on crucial developments.
From trade exhibitions to hands-on demonstrations and expert-led seminars, these events will be the go-to hubs for sharing knowledge, advancing sustainable practices, and exploring cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of forestry.
Here’s just a taste of what you can look forward to in the coming months.
LAMMA – 15–16 JANUARY, BIRMINGHAM NEC
One of the UK’s leading farm machinery shows, LAMMA always offers something of interest to the world of forestry and arb, benefiting from a convenient location and its placement in mid-January, when many manufacturers will be launching their latest products.
Among them is BOSS ORV, which has chosen LAMMA at which to debut the latest addition to its line-up, the PathCross ATV. But you can expect many more.
FORST LIVE – 11–13 APRIL, GERMANY
April will see the first of the big European shows for 2025 with the return of FORST Live in Offenburg, southern Germany.
A well-established exhibition focused on forestry technology and renewable energy, it will be expanding its scope somewhat this year, merging with sister show Wild & Fisch to showcase a wide range of hunting equipment.
Forestry remains the key focus for the exhibition, which in 2024 drew more than 340 exhibitors from 18 nations and a total of 33,411 visitors from Germany and abroad.
ICF: CENTENARY NATIONAL CONFERENCE – 29–30 APRIL, EDINBURGH
The Institute of Chartered Foresters will celebrate 100 years of professional excellence over two days in Edinburgh this April.
A wide range of speakers from across the sector will share their perspectives on the central pillars of policy, people, technology, environment and economics. This stimulating conference will provoke discussion and provide opportunities to share in the professional journeys of the sector’s past, present and future workforce, either through the programme itself or through informal networking.
Attendance is available both in person and online and booking is now open.
THE ARB SHOW – 16–17 MAY, WESTONBIRT
The UK’s biggest standalone event for arboriculture will once again return to Westonbirt this year, with more than 70 exhibitors expected.
While the full line-up is yet to be announced, visitors can expect to see a broad range of the latest products and innovations from the big names, alongside an exciting seminar programme.
ELMIA WOOD – 5–7 JUNE, SWEDEN
Long regarded as Europe’s leading forestry fair, Elmia Wood returns for 2025, bringing news that it will now take place every two years.
Visitors have been told to expect an improved fair loop, approximately 3.5 km long, with a more compact exhibition area and shortcuts for an even better experience, as well as an increased focus on machine demonstrations and innovations, plus a brand-new arborist area.
Organisers have said there has been increased interest from exhibitors compared to 2022’s show, and that planning for 2025 is in full swing, though some of the major machinery manufacturers are currently absent from the exhibitor list.
Regardless, it’s certain to be one of the busiest events on the calendar this year.
FOREXPO – 18–20 JUNE, FRANCE
France’s premier forestry exhibition can be relied upon to deliver an exciting and comprehensive experience. Taking place on a 70-ha site at the heart of the French forest region in Mimizan, it welcomes 400 international exhibitors and more than 500 brands. For the first time, the 2025 edition will open up to products from the first processing of wood.
Every day, morning and afternoon, demonstrations of equipment from leading manufacturers will be taking place in real conditions, in secure arenas, spread out around the circuit.
Forexpo has earned itself a reputation as a great show at which to see working equipment, and you won’t get the chance to visit again until 2029.
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW – 19–22 JUNE, EDINBURGH
One of the UK’s premier agricultural events, the Royal Highland Show 2025 offers a fantastic opportunity for forestry professionals to explore a broad range of innovations and developments in the land management and rural industries.
In previous years, the Forestry arena has been a hub of constant activity, with machinery demonstrations, chainsaws, axe throwing and the Scottish Pole Climbing Championships keeping punters entertained. We expect more of the same.
ROYAL WELSH SHOW – 21–24 JULY, LLANELWEDD
Carrying slightly more of a forestry focus than its Scottish counterpart, the Royal Welsh Show benefits from the presence of Confor and its programme of talks, which in the absence of the APF or the Confor Woodland Show this year, could prove especially illuminating.
INTERNATIONALE FORSTMESSE – 21–24 AUGUST, SWITZERLAND
Since 1971, this trade fair, held every two years, has enjoyed a reputation across Europe as being one of the best places to learn about trends in forestry technology and logistics.
Located in picturesque Lucerne, it regularly receives upwards of 20,000 visitors and around 220 exhibitors.
It’s unlikely Forestry Journal will make it to the show this year – but boy, would we love to!
CARVE CARRBRIDGE – 30 AUGUST, INVERNESS-SHIRE
Also known as the Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Competition, Carve Carrbridge will be the best place in the UK at which to see the top chainsaw carvers showing off their skills this year – and if you’re lucky, you might even get to take a piece home.
Forestry Journal will be in attendance at many events throughout the year, bringing you coverage of the latest developments in forestry. Keep an eye on our channels for details.
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