Cranborne Chase Woodfair

• Arena Events
• Demonstrators and Exhibitors
• Sponsors
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Woodfair South West
• Larmer Tree Gardens

Adams Axemen Chainsaw and Log Axing
The Adams family have had several generations in forestry and are now the longest established Log Axing Team in the United Kingdom.
The team hold and have held more championships than any other axe team in the country. Their aim is to provide demonstrations of the skills of the forester and lumberjack in a manner that is both entertaining and educational to the public and enjoyable to themselves.
The demonstrations consist of all aspects of log axing, springboard chopping and cross cut sawing. They’re looking forward to ‘performing’ for you at the Cranborne Chase Woodfair and you can see them in the main arena twice daily.

Charles Buckler and Major demonstrate traditional horse logging.
Although little used today, horse logging still exists in some areas as an alternative to heavy machinery. The removal of logs using heavy machinery can disturb natural drainage patterns due to compression, damage to topsoil and flora and may harm standing trees. Horses can also work in areas not accessible by tractors and as they work quietly they are good for woodlands in close proximity to communities and amenities.
Major is now 15 years old and works at his home farm in Penselwood in the AONB. He has an ideal temperament being an enthusiastic and willing worker and is also quiet and friendly with children. He’s busy throughout the year working on the farm carting bales to feed the sheep and by attending a number of regional fairs including the Bath and West.
You can meet Charles and Major at the woodfair on both days.

Falconers and Flying Displays
Alan Gates a professional falconer from Mere Down Falconry with many years experience in presenting and handling birds of prey for educational displays.
Falconry and bird of prey keeping is an ancient art which Mere Down Falconry helps keep alive through their educational work. Their flying display at the fair will entertain and thrill all. Mere Down Falconry will feature an exhibit stand where visitors can handle some birds of prey and a number of rescued owls that they keep at the centre. Many of these birds include rare and protected species including the Goshawk, Hobby and Peregrine Falcon as well as the more common species, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk and Owls.

Wessex Heavy Horse Trailer Rides
Experience the thrill of a horse drawn trailer ride around the famous Rushmore Estate.

Two Suffolk Punches are on hand to provide these fabulous FREE 15 minute family rides which you can book ahead by going to the Wessex Heavy Horse Marquee.

Kindly Sponsored by the Rushmore Estate.

Archery and Laser Clay Pigeon Shoot
The instructors at Bird Hill Days will endeavour to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Archery is one of the most enjoyable of all country pursuits and their aim is that you leave with a real sense of achievement.
Laser Shooting uses real, but converted, 12-bore shotguns which fire a safe infra-red beam at full-size clays fired from an electric trap. Being perfectly safe and having no recoil, this is an ideal activity for children over 10 years and adults alike. Multiples of five people can shoot at a time and individual scores are shown on an electronic scoreboard.

Wood Processor Demonstrations and Talks
Euroforest Limited are the largest independent providers of safe efficient timber harvesting and marketing services in the UK.
With a network of locally based offices they are perfectly placed to demonstrate how forwarders and processors operate within the forest.

Their 'big boy' demonstrations will take place at several times throughout both days.

Coolhand Luke - Fire Juggler
Luke will enthral crowds with his amazing display of fire juggling, his unique blend of comedy and incredible juggling skills.

Find Luke in the Big Top at several times over the weekend or outside in good weather.

"Steps in Time" - Traditional Dorset Folk Dances
Watch this delightful junior dance troupe from North Dorset perform some traditional English / Dorset folk dances from the 17th & 18th century together with some medieval dances which include step, garland and ribbon.

They are also performing a mummers play which is an ancient play form where the central theme is a battle with a doctor who revives.
Although broadly comic performances the underlying theme perhaps represents good against evil.