Oxfordshire Woodland Group

Last week I attended a 2 day LANTRA chainsaw maintainance and crosscutting course held at Elvedon Priory near Woodcote, South Oxon. This course was provided by Sarah Hellyer (Sutton) of Kennet & Thames Training, 42 High Street, Watlington, Oxon OX49 5PY. The course cost £228 (inc. VAT) and represents excellent value for money. The practical course was led by Dave Grafton whose style was slow and deliberate making sure that each of the 4 trainees had grasped the importance of each lesson before moving on to the next topic such that by the time the first chainsaw burst into life a full awareness of all 10 major chainsaw safety features were understood and could be reflected in the safe usage of the saw. Safety clothing i.e. boots, bibs / trousers, gloves and helmet / ear defender / visor are essential pieces of kit needing to be worn before starting or using a chainsaw and it would be foolhardy to attempt this without first attending a similar course.

I took this course because I had no previous experience of using chainsaws or the very necessary knowledge to maintain, sharpen and fuel such devices. By the end of the course I had first hand experience of using 6 different saws and could confidently cross cut through timbers up to 15" diameter.

I am now confident that I can purchase the correct saw and clothing needed to safely use such a device in the woodland to crosscut and stack downed trees. Follow on courses to gain experience in felling small to medium sized trees are also available. Venues for the courses vary to suit the persons signed up to attend and so in the first instance aspiring chainsaw artists should get in contact with Sarah on tel 01491 612386 or 07860 137909 and email sarah@kennetandthames.co.uk.

Regards

Ken Hume - Trustee Oxfordshire Woodland Group

Andrew Jarvis advises that Vale Training can provide chainsaw training and NPTC assessment including :-

CS30 - Chainsaw maintenance & crosscutting

CS31 - Felling trees up to 380mm

Contact :-

Vale Training Services Ltd
Marsh Hill Farm
Marsh
Aylesbury
HP17 8ST

tel 01296 612201 email

Chilterns