ORGANISERS and exhibitors have hailed the ARB Show as "surpassing all expectations" on its return to Westonbirt. 

The biggest date in the British arboricultural calendar came to a close on Saturday after thousands of visitors took in the best of the industry across the two-day showpiece. 

Having last taken place at the National Arboretum in 2019, it was back at its natural home with a bang, with major brands such as Först and Petzl delighting people of all ages. 

Forestry Journal: The Arb Show saw thousands of guests head to WestonbirtThe Arb Show saw thousands of guests head to Westonbirt (Image: EA)

John Parker, chief executive of organisers the Arboricultural Association (AA), said: "It has been an absolutely fantastic show. We have loved being back at Westonbirt. It's been a great show, a great couple of days, loads of happy people and brilliant exhibitors – nothing to complain about at all!" 

As well as showing off fan-favourite products, many exhibitors used the ARB Show to launch new ones. This included GreenMech, which unveiled an entry level chipper, the Eco 135, while Treadlight Forestry showed off Eder's latest power climber.

READ MORE: ARB Show 2023: Best pictures from day one of Westonbirt event

Elsewhere, TP's 175 MOBILE Z.E entirely electric and Timberwolf's TW 280HB hybrid woodchippers provided a glimpse into the future

Kenny Brock, of main sponsor Först, said: "It's been a fantastic show. We have had a lot of visitors on the stand. It's a small show, but it's very focused on arb, and that's what we like about it." 

Forestry Journal: John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, hailed the show's return to Westonbirt John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, hailed the show's return to Westonbirt (Image: EA)

Away from the household names, there were dozens of lesser known exhibitors – many appearing at the ARB Show for the first time, who had plenty to get visitors talking. 

"It's been great," said Patrick Watts, managing director of Predator. "We have had lots of interest in all of the machines, including our electric chipper, which has to be the way forward, and the Terminator Pro 500."

essentialARB will have comprehensive coverage of the 2023 ARB Show across our channels in the coming weeks – including our YouTube and TikTok – and there will be an in-depth feature in June's edition of the magazine