Studley Grange

Before the project, the Arboriculture team conducted a site walkout to establish the scope of works and identify the resource, forestry plant, Overhead Line Equipment requirements as well as site access points, landscape and environmental constraints. The area was to be cleared of all vegetation, which consisted of semi to mature trees and undergrowth. An ecology report was produced to protect any lineside ecology, outline any environmental concerns and sensitive areas. An ecologist with a watching brief was present to ensure all work followed the agreed guidelines.

800m of complete tree clearance was undertaken, with all stumps taken down to 150mm. It was necessary to install stock fencing to reinforce the integrity of the landowners’ boundary, which was completed by the team.

Due to the proximity of the works to the open lines and the Overhead Line Electrification, the in-house planning team identified an appropriate method of working that ensured the works did not encroach onto any of the rail infrastructures. The team utilised an industry approved assisted fell technique consisting of a ground anchored winch and pully system. 360 Excavators with Timber Grabs were used to manoeuvre the trees into a safe location at the top of the embankment for chipping using a Whole Tree Chipper. Exclusion zones were set up around any live adjacent OLE and adhered to at all times. Exclusion zones were set up, so that plant and machinery did not enter the mandated exclusion zone 2.75m (9ft).