Good Clean Water – before work starts

Good clean water is vital for our economy, our environment, and our social well-being. We all rely on its quality for drinking water, wildlife, tourism, business, and leisure activities.

• Last month we promoted our new diffuse pollution awareness training to ensure the message, that it is vital we all play a part to protect water quality, is straightforward for all.

Diffuse pollution is a significant risk from our harvesting and ground preparation activities, particularly as we move through the autumn season when adverse weather conditions make for more challenges in managing potential run off from site.

Over the coming months we will focus on key parts of the training to further raise awareness of how we must all Stop, Think and Act to Stop Diffuse Pollution.

This month we are focusing on the factors to consider before any work has started on site.

Before any work starts on site the Forest Works Manager will have identified watercourses, private water supplies and drains using the information supplied by the Landowner and referencing other sources of information. Areas of sensitivity and buffer zones should be clearly marked on site maps and on the ground. These must be briefed, and controls discussed, agreed, and recorded at the pre-commencement meeting.

Machine operators on site must make sure they know where watercourses and drains run before work starts. Are they clearly marked on maps and buffer zones clearly indicated on the ground?

Walk the site to confirm that any drains are disconnected from streams.

Plan for any water crossings to keep these to a minimum.

If you have to cross over a watercourse then plans should be in place for using pipes and log bridges.

If you are new on site you should receive a briefing about any risks to water and be provided with a map.

If you are unclear about watercourses or water supplies on site then always speak to the Tilhill Forest Works Manager.