BTCV Handbooks Online

Book:	How & Why
Chapter:	Seasons for work
Section:	Introduction
Metadata:	Details	Buy this book

Walling - Generally spring and summer because it is difficult to stay warm in walling in cold weather.

Fencing - Any time of year, and the relatively high amount of physical activity involved can mean it can be done on colder days.

Footpath construction - Any time of year, but in winter bear in mind the type of work and size of group to avoid causing erosion damage, particularly in wet weather.

Hedging and coppicing - October to March, i.e. outside the breeding season for birds and while tree growth is relatively inactive, but avoid during frosty spells.

Tree planting - November to March, i.e. while trees are inactive, but not in frosty weather or when the soil is saturated. Autumn planting is preferable for most trees because the roots develop slightly over the winter.

Dune work - Varies according to the work. Marram transplanting - November to April, other jobs at any time.

Tree felling - September to March, i.e. outside the breeding season.

Pond work - Any time of year for 'dead' ponds, outside the breeding season for 'live' ponds. Late summer and autumn are best.

Habitat management - Depends on the habitat. Most scrub clearance in the autumn and winter. Hay cutting in August. Thistle clearance in mid-July. Ragwort pulling in late June to early July. Bracken pulling, twice annually in late June and again in mid-August.

This information is believed to be correct but does not obviate the need for further enquiries as appropriate. This is not a comprehensive statement of all safety procedures to ensure the health and safety of all users. No responsibility is accepted by BTCV for accidents or damage as a result of its use.

This pack was previously published as "Hands-On Conservation" and was written by the volunteers and staff of BTCV, based on a similar training pack produced by Andy Follis in 1980. Special thanks to everyone who gave professional advice on each leaflet.

Researchers: Dave Adams and Andy Dalton, Editors: Lisa Sykes and Paulette Cohen, Illustrator: Jane Hallows

© BTCV 1994-2003 All rights reserved. Individual leaflets from this pack may be photocopied/printed singly from the online edition for use in group conservation activities. They may not be reproduced in any other form without written permission from BTCV.