Bodfari Horse Logging is situated on the slopes of the Clwyd mountains in
Denbighshire, N. Wales and is run by Paula Sells with her Shire mare,
Dolly. Using traditional chain gear and a modern Norwegian timber arch, logs can be efficiently removed from the felling site to roadside for
onward collection by lorry.
Note: All photographs contained on this
web site can be enlarged by simply clicking whilst placing the mouse over
them. [top]
PAULA SELLS
Paula Sells is a member of the
Forestry Contracting Association (Tel.
01467 651368) and the specialist group of British Horse Loggers. Contracts over the last 3 years include English Nature, the Woodland Trust,
the Small Woods Association, Groundworks, St. Helen's Metropolitan Borough
Council (Lancs), Vale Royal Borough Council (Cheshire) and Mersey Forest,
as well as work on private estates and demonstrations at shows and to
school children.
Recently, Paula spent 5 weeks in Slovakia on an EU scheme studying the
training and integration of horses in modern forestry. [top]
DOLLY
Dolly is a 13 year old Shire cross mare. She has an ideal temperament
being an enthusiastic and willing worker and is also quiet and friendly
with children. She is ridden on the mountain to keep fit and lives out all
the year round. When working, she responds to a vocabulary of some seven
different commands and is a pleasure to handle. You can see her here on the left
in action. [top]
TECHNOLOGY
The timber arch is imported from Norway and is simply and beautifully
designed (the Royal Agricultural Society awarded it the Duke of Edinburgh's
Silver Medal). It has steel shafts, a hooped arch with 4 small winches with
chains and skids and wheels on either foot. One end of the log is chokered
with a chain which is raised by the winch until clear of the ground.
Because only the rear of the log is trailing, damage to the ground is
minimised and the controlled load (up to approx. one tonne) is easier and
safer for the horse to pull. [top]
