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One of the services that BTCV provides is the tools sales service. A full catalogue is available from the Community Groups Unit and a copy is sent to every group whenever it is updated. The tools are offered at competitive prices. The catalogue has plenty of advice and can help you distinguish a spade from a shovel. Don't feel intimidated by tool names. Conservation work has its own terminology just as computers or cars, and once you've learnt the words it ceases to sound strange. You may find cheaper tools than those in the BTCV catalogue, but you may be sacrificing quality. BTCV has worked over the years to select durable tools. Wherever you are buying, the key should be heavy duty tools that look like they will last. Local dealers may be prepared to give you a discount if you explain who you are. Get some help when you go out and buy your first set, just as you would with your first stereo system or computer. A BTCV member of staff will be happy to advise on a basic set. This first set should also include a first aid kit. Make sure that you get a range of tools to suit your volunteers. Newer and younger people may work more effectively with loppers and small saws rather than with axes. Similarly, don't equip a new group with tools for specialist work, such as wire strainers or shuv-holers for fencing, until you are sure you will need them. Some volunteers will want to acquire their own tools. This is usually a good idea since they will maintain them and it means they are making a commitment to the group. It is certainly worth encouraging people to acquire their own pair of gloves. These are useful for any heavy duty work and can protect hands. It may also be appropriate for your group to buy some safety boots (wellies are good as they will fit a good range of sizes if people wear woolly socks) and waterproofs to lend to people as, although most volunteers will want to provide their own, people may need to borrow something so they can try the project out to see if they enjoy the work. Dorset Countryside Volunteers give a free pair of gloves to each volunteer on their first project. Tools are a major expenditure item and there may be other ways of acquiring them. Army surplus stores often have useful tools at low prices. Keep an eye open for farm sales and find out which local agricultural merchants deal in tools, where it's always worth asking for a discount. Second-hand tools will clearly need a full going over and probably repair as well, but putting time into this is very cost-effective. Only use such tools when they have been restored, since dry wooden handles or rusty blades can be dangerous. All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009 |
