As specialists providing safety at height solutions for science, TV and media, we share a passion for meeting amazing trees and Autumn is a firm favourite, with a riot of colour is not to be missed!
Kaleidoscope of backlit beech leaves
Have you ever wondered what it is like up inside those amazing trees? If you’re lucky you can share the treetops with Goldcrests, Red Squirrels, woodpeckers and other wildlife. It certainly is a great way to connect with nature. Now, it’s hard to truly share the wonder of it all without experiencing it for yourself so here is a little taster of what it’s like up there, as we spent as much time as possible in the beeches before leaf fall, or abscission, leave the trees naked and bare for the winter.
“Everybody walks past this tree, but when you’re in it, it’s totally different. You realise it’s got this incredible structure of branches, lichen and moss, amazing wildlife, and the experience of being up there is magical.”
Rope Access allows us to work safely in challenging environments and working with conservation and education organisations outdoors is always interesting. The first hints of Autumn started with an entire week in the woods with Canopy Access, delivering BCAP training to all Edge Hill University students on the Up-Canopy module. The now acclaimed BCAP is a specialist, industry recognised and LANTRA-approved course on advanced tree climbing techniques alongside tree safety and aspects of rigging. Later in the month, following days of tree inspections, paperwork and biodiversity plans, it was time to test out some exciting new kit (more on this soon).
Last of the leaves - high up in the canopy of a beech
There’s something magical about the way light drifts down through beech leaves, in early spring and on frosty autumn mornings. Maybe it’s the way shadows play out on their smooth, silvery stems. Then, as the sun sets, the light turns softer and warmer giving everything a cosy glow. But don’t let that fool you, especially in winter. For as soon as that sun dips below the horizon, any warmth goes instantly vanishes and if you hung about too long, you’ll soon feel the cold start to seep into you.
“Looking out...through the leaves and branches all from the comfort of my own hammock was something never to forget. Brilliant fun.”
We take a safety-first approach to ensuring our clients stay safe whilst working at height in environments that can be both exciting and challenging. As Tree Safety Experts, projects are often in highly challenging environments however, safety is always a key aspect of our work. Our systems include advanced training alongside the use of industry-approved PFPE from trusted suppliers, and we are now members of the Scannable kit management system.
First flush of autumn seen from the top of a giant pine
In the pines on a distinctly chilly autumn day
Accessing the canopy of course involves complex risk assessments as well as being observant for any hazards, especially after storms. Once the tree is deemed safe to climb, the fun part begins. We use an 8’ catapult called a Bigshot to launch a small weight on the end of a fine string over a significant limb, 20m+ up in the canopy. Then we can use the string ‘tagline’ to hoist our heavier climbing lines. As standard, we rig two, independent, 10.5mm semi-static lines, giving us operational redundancy. We also have helmets, slings and harnesses, plus a selection of hi-tech hardware wizardry.
“Providing safety critical cover for the more adventurous projects, we specialise in assisting clients capture dramatic sequences and experience nature in new, immersive ways.”
And we have high standards. Industry, institutions and organisations such as the BBC Studios, ITV, Furnace TV, Royal Institution and Canopy Access have incredibly high standards and we are proud to be recognised as a company they are delighted to work with. From facilitating demanding TV sequences and specialist IRATA supervision to assisting scientists and working directly with rare species under licence, we do it all. Below are images from a big install of winter wonderland lighting for the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate. The brief was to rig lighting right to the tips of the main limbs and getting out there to the tippy tips was certainly a fun challenge!
Rigging lighting systems, NT Wimpole Hall
Branch walking school in a huge plane!
Rigging a towering beech for a film shoot
The towering beech project was fun too. The chosen tree really was impressive with such a tall stem and nothing until the first branch 20m up. Saying that, the trees we worked on in Honduras were huge, emergent pines and even getting a stringline into them took some doing, all part of the fun for sure! You can read more about our adventures in Cusuco National Park here.
“Facilitating TV & media clients to climb way up into amazing trees at locations around the UK and scientists up to 40m in the tropics, we are delighted to work with organisations who recognise our professionalism and safety protocol.”
For the very best Fall colours, you have to go out west across the pond. Fall in Ontario is world famous and on a visit there a few years ago, I was taken to see the most incredible trees. My favourite was Big-tooth Aspen which really seemed to shine, the brightest, positively gleaming gold and fiery orange in the October sunshine. Our aspen here do ‘turn’ nicely but nothing quite like the show across the pond. We will have a separate look at Aspens, sometime soon.
Big-tooth Apsen in Fall, Ontario
Looking down to the forest floor
Unbelievably golden Big-tooth Aspen in Ontario
Soaking up the last of the day’s rays
The light is fading, and it’s time to descend back to earth. We de-rig the tree hammock, transfer across to the main lines and descend for what feels like ages. Feet touch the ground and you sigh in relief but also a little in sadness, part of you wants to stay up there for just a bit longer, an hour maybe, even for the whole night. But once safely back on terra firma we pull the lines, pack up all the kit and hoist packs onto tired shoulders. On the hike back to civilisation, somewhere in the dusk, the first bloodcurdling warble-screech of a male Barn Owl floats across to us, the world is his now.
Just after sunset in the beech
