Stripping diseised larch trees

[firewood jim]

Got to look at some desiesed larch trees (p.ramorum) i understand that there are strict rules on handling the stuff the forestry commison say that the bark has to be stripped if i am to process it on site i.e logs or milling timber.

whats the best way to strip the bark ?

Is there anyone who hire peelers (it would have to be a fair size)

could i strip the bark offf with a swing shovel?

any ideas much welcomed cheers jim

[Charlieh]

I would read this Forestry Commission - P. ramorum - national update if you have any questions contact your local FC area officer or havesting manager for guidance, as generally movement vehicles have to be licensed with FC you need facilities to steam clean equipment on and off site, as well as stripping and dissinfecting small kit such as chainsaw and clothing. Once you have totally peeled the bark, what are you going to do with it? as it needs to be burnt on site really. I dont think FC would be very happy licensing the timber coming off site for firewood is my experience in this instance, certainly not for wider sale, although for the woodland owners own use this may be consented. If your peeling bark off then removing timber to process else where (or on site to an extent) how are you going to ensure that the debarked timber doesnt come into contact with peelings or the ground. You will also need to do a full disinfection of the peeling area post operational works.

 

I would strongly suggest seeking professional advice from FC on this issue to prevent yourself getting into trouble over notifiable plant health issues.

 

If you want a chat on the phone PM me your phone number and I will try and help and be a bit more specific if its of use to you, otherwise I would strongly advise contacting your local area office who will have consented the felling in the first place, as you may find there were stipulations on the felling license/distruction notice as to how operations need to be completed

 

Charlie

[wills-mill]

Just been looking into this, you need to apply for a processing licence from the FC if you are processing Phytophthora affected Larch timber in the woods or at a remote site. There is now a fee involved.

 

Processing Licence

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/ProcessingLicenceJanuary2012GB.pdf/$FILE/ProcessingLicenceJanuary2012GB.pdf

 

I was told that the person to contact at FC Edinburgh is John Morgan (head of Plant Health) not Gavin Snaith whose name is on the form.

 

For information on handling, transport, processing and forms:

 

Forestry Commission - plant health - Phytophthora licensing

[wills-mill]

Looking again there is a licence for fuelwood, BUT it looks as though it only applies for use as fuel on single sites away from the woods. I suppose it's for large mills who will use the slab and bark chip for heating kilns and power generation, or for power stations who will will be launching complete loads of chip into their boilers.

 

 

Definitely worth talking to the FC.