Another successful chainsaw training

Before the lock down began, the conservancy had a busy few months. So busy that we had no time to update our activities on our blog. Now that we are stuck inside, it’s a chance to reflect on what we were up to at the start of 2020.

​From the 3rd to the 14th of February, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy hosted a chainsaw training course that was attended by 16 people from the nearby rural towns of Suurbraak and Heidelberg.
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The training was delivered by Coalition Training and funded by the Department of Environment. The course entailed a week of theory learning and a week of practical exposure.

The learners and their trainer

As part of the theoretical component of the course the participants were given a manual and lectures on the operation of chainsaws. The participants gained hands-on experience in the field, where they were given demonstrations on how to correctly and safely operate the chainsaws and they had the chance to use the machinery on various alien invasive trees, such as Acacia and Pinus species. ​

A learner completing his practical

The course outcomes stipulated by Coalition Training include:

• Knowledge of chainsaw parts and basic mechanics
• Safety during chainsaw use
• Prepare and start a chainsaw
• Fell trees with a chainsaw
• Cut felled timber with a chainsaw
• Carry out periodic maintenance with a chainsaw

​The training provided several benefits to the participants as it built skills in chainsaw operation and safety and increased their chances of employability thanks to their new competence, it will also allow them to assist with the eradication of alien vegetation, while always ensuring the health and safety of the teams involved. Congratulations to all who participated!  

Smiles all round