THE 2024 ARB Show has been hailed by exhibitors, guests and organisers after the event came to a close.

Arborists and a wide range of industry professionals from across the UK headed to Westonbirt this week for a two-day celebration of all things tree care.

Featuring more than 70 exhibitors – including household names like Oregon, DMM International and Timberwolf – the event was the perfect chance for tree surgeons to see the latest products in the flesh.

Forestry Journal: A climbing competition entertained both casual and professional guests A climbing competition entertained both casual and professional guests (Image: eA/JH)

But the event featured so much more, with tree climbing, knot tying, chainsaw carving, and a special exhibit (celebrating 60 years of the Arboricultural Association) among the spectacles on offer.

“It has been an absolutely great show,” said John Parker, chief executive of organisers, the AA. “Friday was fantastic and the weather held out across both days.

“We have had loads and loads of people – both members of the public and professional arborists – coming to hang out and look at all this new kit.

Forestry Journal: John Parker was delighted with how the show went John Parker was delighted with how the show went (Image: eA/JH)

“We have more than 70 exhibitors, brilliant weather, and Westonbirt is just a fantastic venue.”

As always, many manufacturers used the UK’s largest arb-themed event to officially launch new products, including GreenMech (the EVO205TT), Jas P Wilson (Mantis series), and Vermeer (SC48TX).

Forestry Journal: Först's demonstration area was once again a show highlight Först's demonstration area was once again a show highlight (Image: eA/JH)

Other highlights included (but were not limited to) Oregon demonstrating its Speedcut Nano chainsaw chain, FSI Stump Cutters UK exhibiting for the first time since establishing its British wing, and the presence of Ohashi, which was making its debut at the show.

“We really wanted to highlight some of the cool things we have got going on,” said James Oliver, Oregon’s UK marketing manager. “We felt this year we really wanted to highlight Speedcut Nano. It’s a proprietary, 325 low pro system, really designed to get the most out of your small petrol and battery-powered saws, whether that’s top or rear-handled.

Forestry Journal: James Oliver shows off Oregon's Speedcut Nano chain (front saw) James Oliver shows off Oregon's Speedcut Nano chain (front saw) (Image: eA/JH)

“The best way to convince people how good it is, is to show it off, so here we are.”

Elsewhere, guests could meet the legendary Ted Green – who was signing copies of his new book – or enjoy a pint of beer brewed specifically for the show.

Lee Hatton, sales director of FSI Stump Cutters UK, said: “It’s been fantastic. We were blessed with wonderful weather and had a huge amount of people come on the stand. That was so important for us.”

essentialARB will have in-depth coverage from the show across our channels in the coming weeks and a full feature in June's edition of the magazine