Methods of Clearing Derelict Land

Abstract

THE clearing and reclamation of derelict land has become an urgent problem on many farms in Britain to-day. In view of the recent developments in the mechanization of British agriculture, the new edition of Bulletin No. 101, “Hedge and Tree-Stump Clearing”, by T. Swarbrick, recently published by the Ministry of Agriculture (price 6d), should prove of great help to farmers faced with probably unfamiliar operations. The methods recommended fall into four groups: hand methods, the use of power, chemical agents and explosives. The means selected depends upon a variety of circumstances. Much can be done with timber jacks and monkey winches, especially when isolated trees are the chief problem. If hedges also need removing and no tractor is available, the use of a monkey winch in conjunction with explosives is suggested, for horses can then pull out the small stuff. As regards power methods, the track-laying type of tractor is undoubtedly most suitable for land clearing, but it is essential that full use be made of the dead weight of the tractor, its drawbar pull and the leverage exerted by making a high hitch on the tree and a low hitch on the tractor. Other forms of power such as steam tackle, gyro-tillers and bulldozers can also do most valuable work, if the size of the job justifies the use of expensive equipment. Explosives, particularly gelignite, offer a simple means of removing tree stumps and hedges ; full details are given in the bulletin as to how they should be employed. Farmers requiring further information or help are recommended to get in touch with the machinery sections of the county war agricultural committees, who are in possession of the necessary tractors and employ full-time machinery officers to organize the equipment.