BTCV Handbooks Online

Book:	How & Why
Chapter:	How to clear scrub
Section:	Project leader's notes
Metadata:	Details	Buy this book

Site visit

Visit the work site in advance to gain a clear idea of what you will be doing on the day.

Assess the suitability of the project for the group you will be leading and the time available.

Consider the following questions: what is to be done with cut materials - stacked, burnt or both? What tools are needed? Are any species or individual trees to be left and if so should they be marked?

Undertake a risk assessment for both project and site.

Tools and equipment

Depending on the type of scrub to be managed, a selection of the following tools would be advisable.

Adjust the quantity to be taken to the site according to the size of the team. Ensure the tools are in good condition before using them.

First aid kit
Appropriate protective gloves
Goggles
Hard hats
Bowsaws (large and small)
Billhooks
Slashers
Loppers
Pitchfork
Rakes
Axes
Mattocks
Polesaw
Sharpening stones
Heavy duty tarpaulin sheet (to collect small cuttings)

Introduction

Introduce the site, the work and the reasons for doing it - habitat management by clearing scrub can seem very destructive unless the reasons are known (See Why clear scrub?).

Walk around the site explaining what work will be undertaken. Identify potential hazards and explain how to work safely around them. Make sure everyone knows any individual trees or species to be left and can identify the relevant species.

Demonstrate Tool Use

Demonstrate and explain the safe use, carrying and onsite care of the tools before starting work.

Refer to the BTCV Hand Tools booklet.

Demonstrate work techniques

Demonstrate all new work techniques as you come to them. This will save mistakes and avoid accidents.

Demonstrate the correct lifting technique (bending the knee and keeping the back straight so that the leg muscles are used and the back is not strained).

Refer to the BTCV Basic Safety leaflet.

Organisation of team

Scrub clearance usually consists of felling, snedding and cutting up for dragging and cutting to size for stacking and burning.

Organise the work so that all stages proceed together. Allow people to change jobs at tea or lunch breaks so everyone does a variety of work.

The leader should check, assist and encourage people and ensure work standards are maintained.

Fires

It is often necessary in clearance work to use a fire to burn excess regrowth. Situate it so that the smoke does not blow across the work area but close enough to minimise dragging.

Leave wood to decay where practical or chop it up for mulch. If there is simply too much, small, controlled fires are OK, providing the client knows. Also let the local fire brigade know beforehand. After work make sure fires are out.

Using Chainsaws

Sometimes a chainsaw operator may be needed in clearance work. Only those individuals holding a BTCV chainsaw card may use one on any site where BTCV staff, volunteers or local groups with BTCV insurance are working. To get a card you must have a National Proficiency Test Council certificate as well as evidence of continuing proficiency. Operators must wear protective safety clothing.