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Good Practice Guides

Best practice in the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme

The Guides

The National Programme is researching control methods and developing guidelines for good practice. These guides summarise standards expected for safe wilding conifer control and other wilding control related activities.

The guides are reviewed periodically - if you have any queries or potential changes to the guides, please email the team.

Aerial Control

Ground Control

Fire Risk Mitigation

Other guides

Aerial Control

Aerial Foliar Spray Application (AFSA)

Aerial Foliar Spray Application good practice front cover dated May 2023

Aerial spraying by helicopter boom (AFSA) can be a cost-effective way to control large areas of dense wilding conifer infestations.


Latest update: May 2023 

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Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA)

 

The ABBA method of wilding conifer control involves chemically ring-barking trees by using a wand to apply herbicide from a helicopter. Dead trees are left standing until they naturally rot away. It is the most efficient way to control scattered wildings in difficult-access areas or within high value vegetation.


Latest update: May 2023 - (some minor wording edits changed June 2023)

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Aerial Spot Spray Application (ASSA)

 

The aerial spot spraying application method for wilding conifer control involves full foliar spraying of herbicide
applied to trees from a helicopter.

After spraying, the trees are left standing until they naturally break down. It is a useful alternative to Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA), particularly when controlling scattered, difficult to access wilding conifers or remaining live trees from Aerial Foliar Spray Application (AFSA).

Guidelines for the use of drones for ASSA will be included when the trial for it has been completed.


Latest update: November 2024

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Ground Control

Ground Based Control: Cut Stump

 

This image shows a wilding pine tree stump with a ring of herbicide around the stump to show it has been controlled. Cut stump is a control method that involves cutting a tree down and applying herbicide to the cut stump to prevent regrowth. It is suitable for the control of trees which are accessible from the ground and where the risk of damage to surrounding vegetation is minimal or not a concern.

Latest update: November 2021

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Video - Good Practice Guide for Cut Stump

It’s important to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the cutting tool you are using.

This video demonstrates the cut stump method.
Filmed in June 2022


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Ground-Based Herbicide Injection: Drill and Fill

 

This image shows a wilding pine contractor wearing full PPE including helmet, earmuffs and facemask whilst drilling into the trunk of a wilding pine.

Rather than cutting down large trees, it is often better to drill holes into a tree’s trunk and fill the holes with herbicide. This is a good option on difficult terrain where felling is unsafe.

Latest update: October 2021

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Video - Good Practice Guide for Drill and Fill

It’s important to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the herbicide you are using.
This video demonstrates the drill and fill method.
Filmed in September 2021.


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Fire Risk Mitigation

Video - Fire Prevention During Wilding Pine Control Operations

This video helps to give guidance on mitigating fire risk for contractors during wilding control operations.


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Example Fire Risk Mitigation Plan

example fire mitigation plan

This is an example fire risk mitigation plan which can be used and
adapted to operations in your area.

Last updated November 2023


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Other guides

Video - Helicopter Transport Safety: Load Master Rules

Helicopter transport is essential for wilding control work in remote places. Passengers must follow instructions of the Pilot and their appointed Load Master.

This video explains the Load Master role and what passengers must do.

Published in April 2023

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WCIS User Guide

 WCIS User Guide - June 2023

Latest update: June 2023

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Video - Helicopter Passenger Safety: Before You Fly

This video demonstrates how to stay safe around helicopters as a passenger.

Published in November 2021


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Remote & Isolated Work Guidance

 

This is a guidance document if undertaking work in remote and isolated areas.

It not designed to provide exhaustive compliance information and is not a substitute for professional advice. It remains the full responsibility of the user to obtain the specific guidance, authorisations, consents and permits as required to meet regulatory requirements and complete the work.

Latest update: November 2024

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Post-Control Auditing

 

Front cover of the post control auditing good practice guide

The post control audit guide is to assess the quality of operational ground control work in the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP).

The auditing protocol is to assess the quality and efficacy of control work. It focuses on two ground-control methods: “cut and stump”, where a tree is cut down and herbicide is pasted onto the stump, and “drill and fill”, where holes are drilled into the base of trees and herbicide is injected into the holes. The audit involves carrying out plot-based assessments along transects and recording information about the number of trees that have been successfully controlled, incompletely controlled, or missed.

Latest update: November 2024

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