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Chainsaw artists dazzle crowds with their skills

Isabella BonehamWest Midlands
News imageA chainsaw sculptor wearing ear defenders stands on a raised platform carving a large wooden sculpture from a tree trunk. The unfinished piece, marked with guide lines, is taking shape from a substantial block of timber. Wood shavings cover the ground around the work area, while chainsaws, safety barriers, spectators, caravans and other sculptures can be seen in the background beneath a cloudy sky.
News imageA chainsaw sculptor kneels on a bed of wood shavings, measuring and marking an unfinished wooden sculpture carved from a large tree stump. The partly shaped sculpture stands in a fenced work area surrounded by cut timber and carving debris. Spectators watch from behind metal barriers, while banners, tents and trees are visible in the background.
A chainsaw artist works on a large wooden sculpture during the live carving competition.
Spectators watch chainsaw sculptors at work on their wooden carvings.

Chainsaw artists wowed crowds as visitors flocked to the opening day of one of the UK's largest forestry shows.

The APF International Forestry Machine Exhibition returned to Ragley Hall, near Alcester, Warwickshire, on Thursday, drawing spectators eager to watch skilled carvers transform logs into intricate sculptures in a matter of minutes.

Alongside the popular chainsaw carving competition, the event featured tree-felling demonstrations, fence-building displays and the latest forestry technology.

The show also hosts world and European championships in the 25m (82ft) pole climbing competition.

News imageA detailed wooden bear sculpture stands upright in the foreground at an outdoor chainsaw carving event. Behind it, a partially carved tree stump topped with a small human figure sculpture is visible. Chainsaws, wood shavings, fencing, work vehicles and several people can be seen around the grassy site under a cloudy sky.
A carved wooden bear is displayed alongside a work-in-progress sculpture at the show in Warwickshire

Marking its 50th anniversary this year, the APF was first held at Longleat Safari Park in 1976.

The exhibition attracts visitors and industry professionals from around the world, with around £90m worth of machinery on display.

The event runs at Ragley Hall until Saturday.

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