'Tree Hugging' on offer at this year's Devon County Show
There's also a debate about the future of rural areas
Last updated 21st May 2026
The three-day Devon County Show begins today - which this year offers a new 'tree hugging' experience.
The tree, set in the beautiful Woodlands area of the showground. sees visitors invited to wrap their arms around an established Beech Tree — hand selected by Kenny Raybould, the Show’s very own Doctor of Tree Hugging, whose ability to “feel” the right tree makes him the perfect woodland matchmaker.
Kenny said: “Tree hugging should feel good for people and for the tree. We’ll be putting simple protections in place — like soft matting to protect the tree’s roots — to make sure everyone, including the tree can enjoy the moment. It’s all about connection, care and leaving the tree as happy, if not happier, than we found it.”
Guests can enjoy their moment of connection (a seven second hug is recommended for full effect), and those wanting a keepsake can have their photo taken between 12:00 and 13:00 on Saturday 23rd May, complete with hashtags to help spread the joy of reconnecting with nature.
Kenny adds: "This new feature invites visitors to slow down, breathe deeply and rediscover the simple pleasure of being close to nature."
On Friday there will also be a or debate on the future of rural Britain, The Devon County Agricultural Association hosts Rural Matters: Question Time — a high profile panel event bringing together some of the most influential voices in farming, finance, policing, faith and food.
Taking place 8.30am–10am, in the President’s Pavilion, the session promises a dynamic and thought provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing countryside communities.
Speakers will include Tom Bradshaw, President of the NFU, Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, celebrity chef Michael Caines and Oliver Munn, CEO of the Rural Payments Agency — which is responsible for delivering key support schemes to farmers
National Highways has also issued travel advice ahead of Devon County Show, which averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter, with increased traffic anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.
John Ingram, South West Network Planner for National Highways, said: “We’re working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers advice to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.
“Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as commuter and freight traffic.
M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052, while A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exit at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052.
There's more about the Devon County Show here