New Climbing Poles Installed at Three Counties Showground in Time for 2025 World Pole Climbing Championships

The Three Counties Showground is set to welcome a new addition to its forestry area, two towering 96-foot Douglas Fir tree climbing poles. These poles will be a key feature in the upcoming Royal Three Counties Show, which hosts the annual Pole Climbing Demos & Championships, including the prestigious World Pole Climbing Championships.

The impressive 29-metre poles, sourced from Forestry England in the Wyre Forest, Bewdley, were felled on November 6th, 2024. The trees, estimated to be around 90 years old based on a rough ring count by the felling team, took approximately 3-4 hours to fell and prepare for transport. Before installation at the showground in January 2025, the bark will be carefully removed by hand, preparing them for the intense pole climbing competitions.

The new poles will replace the existing ones, installed in 2016, which have witnessed years of exhilarating events, including the current speed-climbing record of just 8.8 seconds. This timely upgrade ensures the showground remains a top destination for climbing enthusiasts and competitors as they gear up for the summer event.

The installation process is no small feat. The previous poles were installed by specialist contractor A J Griffiths, who was tasked with digging two massive 3-metre-deep holes, each approximately 1.2 metres wide, to accommodate the new poles. The poles, with their natural tapered base, were carefully lowered into position before being secured with Type II stone backfill, ensuring their stability.

David Prescott, Chief Executive of the Three Counties said “We’re thrilled to be upgrading the pole climbing area with these magnificent Douglas Fir poles. This upgrade not only ensures we have the best equipment in place for pole climbing enthusiasts and competitors nationwide but also aligns with our commitment to promoting forestry to the surrounding three counties. Securing these new poles allows us to continue showcasing the vital role of forestry in our community and beyond.”

The first climbing poles at the showground were installed back in 2011 by Allelys of Redditch, those initial poles were second-hand and served the showground well for five years. The upcoming installation marks a significant investment in the future of this popular attraction, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy both the thrilling demonstrations and the opportunity to try pole climbing themselves.

The Royal Three Counties Show is a must-visit outdoor event in the agricultural calendar, attracting over 90,000 visitors it is the largest in the region and celebrates the best of agriculture, countryside practices, and champions rural communities. A major highlight of the show is the thrilling forestry pole climbing competitions, which draw in crowds eager to witness the action. With new 96-foot Douglas Fir poles set to be installed for the 2025 event, both seasoned climbers and brave first-timers will have the chance to test their skills – but be warned, scaling these towering giants is tougher than it looks!