Salisbury Journal

Solution to a sticky problem

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 29th Mar 2001.

TREE stumps from Savernake Forest are being exported by the hundreds to Ireland where they are running out of wood for hurling sticks.

The sticks can only be made from ash which, because of its strength has traditionally been used for the handles of sports equipment and garden implements. However hurling, Ireland's national sport which is similar to hockey, is such a rough game that some players get through two sticks in a match.

Ireland has virtually exhausted its own supply of young ash trees so has turned to Wiltshire for help.

The Forestry Commission sells the timber to local wood cutting firm Smiths of Axford.

Instead of the trees being felled at ground level, they are cut off about four feet above the ground because it is the stump and the tough wood of the roots which are needed. The sight of tree stumps left in the ground has been causing some amusement to visitors.

Savernake Forester Bill Ayres said: We like to tell them they are cutting them off like that to avoid getting backache when they bend over.

Once the stumps have been cut off below ground level they are sent to Ireland in lorry loads of 250 at a time.

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