Tim Bodfish
Posted: 06/09/2011
Author: Samuel Zelmer-Jackson
Category: None Specified
Without the funding it would have been too expensive for Tim and his son to do the course.
Tim Bodfish
“Initially we wanted to do the course so that we could comply with HSE regulations and use the chainsaw on other peoples land but after the first day we learnt so much on safety and technique which has helped improve our control, ability and confidence”
Ten years ago, Tim Bodfish and his family moved to West Atheston
Farm near Narberth, a 105 acre holding which included 25 acres of existing woodland.
Since then, he has planted a further 35 acres of native broadleaf woodland. By thinning the woods, Tim and his son Jonathan have been able to harvest a lot of timber which they now sell locally for firewood and both were keen to undertake training to ensure they complied with HSE regulations.
Through the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme, Jonathan has gone on a subsidised five-day chainsaw training course and assessment, and he plans to undertake more courses which will not only further his career but also bring new skills to the business.
The business is in year three of a Better Woodland for Wales agreement and has recently registered with Wood Fuel Wales which is a quality assurance scheme run by the Welsh Assembly Government.
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