Forestry for all at the Great Yorkshire Show

The important role the country’s trees, woodlands and forests play in our every-day lives will be the message to visitors at the new-look Forestry Area at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show which runs from Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July.

The popular section at England’s premier agricultural event is keen to encourage more of the 130,000 plus show visitors to drop by to discover fascinating facts about the country’s woods and forests.

Not only will expert craftsmen and women be pitting their skills competing in traditional crafts including marquetry and stick-making, they will also be able to stand on a mighty oak tree, seemingly growing out of the Woodcrafts Pavilion floor!

Forestry steward Will Richardson is excited about the changes which are underway:  “We want people to understand what role trees, woodlands and forests play in our lives, the importance of biodiversity for our health and well-being, and for the rural economy,” he said.

The 8m by 6m mural, entitled The Wandering Tree, will give visitors the illusion of standing on the highest branches of an oak tree – but the reality is they will be on a painting created by UK artist Joe Hill, created to promote the call for a national Charter for Trees, Woods and People. It is being brought to the show by The Woodland Trust, with the aim of promoting the importance of trees.

The value of woodland management is highlighted through the prestigious John Boddy Woodlands into Management Enterprise Award. Competition organisers want to encourage woodland owners to put more of their woods and forests back into management – the winner of the John Boddy Trophy is announced on the event’s second day.

The Forestry Area’s popular Woodlands Photographic Competition, celebrating the splendor of the UK’s forests and woodlands, is making a welcome return. Photographers are being encouraged to submit landscape and macro pictures of their favourite wooded areas, with the work of 32 finalists displayed in the Woodcrafts Pavilion during the show. The deadline for entries is Friday 3 June.

As ever, the Forestry Area’s main Arena is the focus for the hugely-popular Great British Pole Climbing Championships, which sees competitors shinning up two 80ft-high poles against the clock. With two heats per day, the competition culminates in a grand final on Thursday afternoon when the fastest climber wins a top prize of £250.

The Cumbrian Axeman return with twice-daily demonstrations, while there will be a return to traditional skills when visitors will be able to watch working horses being put through their paces.

This will be the 158th Great Yorkshire Show and it will highlight the best of British farming with top class livestock competing for the coveted rosettes, the latest in agricultural technology with more farming visitors than ever expected. As well as the 8,000 livestock entries features include a live robotic milking exhibition from Lely providing a unique opportunity to see how technology is changing the face of modern dairying.

The showground’s new £10m Hall 1 will also make its debut as a food emporium. It will be the setting for the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, a food theatre and food show.

Other attractions include displays by the motorcycle display team, Bolddog Lings, as well as international show jumping, a Garden Show, Art Show, a new look to the Country Pursuits and more than 1,300 stands with everything from jacuzzis to combine harvesters on display.

For the latest information see www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

ENDS

26 April 2016

Judy Thompson, PR Manager, 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk

Great Yorkshire Show 2016 Ticket Prices

                                    Advanced Prices                               Gate Price

                                    Weds 6 July

Adult                           £23                                                      £27

Child                           £10                                                      £13

Family (2 adults

& 3 children)              £56                                                      £67

EDITORS NOTES

-        The Great Yorkshire Show is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a charity which supports farming and the agricultural industry.

-        This will be the 158thGreat Yorkshire Show

-        Dates are Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July

-        The venue is The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

-        It is England’s premier agricultural event

-        Tickets are available online – at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Hotline - 01423 541222 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)

-        There are savings to be made by buying tickets in advance.

-        Parking is extensive and free

-        Dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed on the showground. Be kind to your dog and leave it at home.

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