Vegetation clearance and residue recovery – A470 Cwm Bach to Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys. February and March 2010

In a scheme supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and managed by main contractors Alun Griffiths, Spencer were called in to clear an area measuring a distance of six kilometres to make way for a new section of road between Cwm Bach and Newbridge-on-Wye in Powys.

No strangers to this type of work, having carried out many similar operations in previous years, Spencer began by clearing trees, brash and other kinds of vegetation utilising its extensive range of equipment including a Clam Bunk Skidder, a Brash Baler and a Grinder/Chipper.

Following its own self-imposed ecological and environmentally responsible guidelines, Spencer ensured that all of the vegetation was recycled as effectively as possible: Brash was bundled and soft-wood was chipped to create high-quality biomass, which was then supplied to local power stations to be used as fuel. Spencer also recovered any hardwood that was despatched to mills or cut so it could be used for firewood.

Such was the scale of the project, Spencer recovered over 1000 tonnes of timber, whilst over 1200 tonnes of brash was bailed. The project also involved crossing bridges and meant working close to the existing A470, a busy trunk road that runs north-to-south through the county.

Once again, Spencer was praised by the main contractors for its efficient operational methods and for carrying out the work on time and on budget.