It is essential to telephone prospective helpers - cries for help in newspapers go unheeded. In fact, people do enjoy clearing. The work is satisfying and the results quickly visible. The requisite tools to slash, chop, saw and carry will be needed together with the ingredients to start one or more bonfires. For example, long handled slashers, garden scythes, sickles, billhooks, shears, secateurs, bow saws, handsaws, pitchforks and garden forks.
Volunteers can usually provide a good assortment of tools.
Matches, old papers and firelighters can save hours of wasted time starting or tending sullen fires. It is useful to ascertain what will be available for use. The assorted selection of tools mentioned, combined with enthusiastic volunteers of all ages, can provide a pretty lethal mixture and the greatest care and attention should be given to safety measures. That the arrival of the tools has been organised and if lent by volunteers, they are marked to ensure recognition. Also that a warning has been given about the need for tough clothing, gumboots and protective gloves.