The horticultural School of the South Iceland College FSu will be holding a course in tree felling and chain-saw techniques 16 to 18 May at Vaglir in Fnjóskadalur valley, North Iceland, a 15 minutes drive eastward from Akureyri through the Vaðlaheiði Tunnel (road toll) or half an hour via Víkurskarð pass. The number of participants is limited to ten people.

The course is open to everyone for application. It is suitable for both beginners and those who have gained some experience in chainsaw work but want to improve their felling techniques or improve their skills in chainsaw handling and care. The course is both theoretical and practical.

• The first day takes on theoretical aspects:

  • Felling techniques and safety issues are addressed as well as forest technique ergonomics.

  • Permits and safety considerations regarding felling trees in urban areas will also be addressed.

  • Selection of trees for felling will be discussed, covering key aspects of the thinning of woodlands, tree clusters and gardens.

• On the second day, students will get deeper knowledge on the chainsaw:

  • Taking the saw apart.

  • carrying out simple troubleshooting tasks.

  • Routine maintenance, cleaning of the saw.

  • Chain sharpening.

• Finally, there will be a half day of practical work felling trees and forest thinning. Emphasis will be placed on the correct felling technique and arrangement of the wood.

Students who have their own chainsaw, chainsaw pants, chainsaw boots and helmet are kindly asked to bring their gear to the course. For others, equipment will be available to borrow during the course.

• Tutor: Björgvin Örn Eggertsson, forester at the Horticultural School - FSu.

• Dates: (3x)
  - Friday 17 April between 9:00 and 17:30.
  - Saturday 18 April between 9:00 and 17:30.
  - Sunday 19 April between 9:00 and 16:00.

• Location: Hólar in Hjaltadalur (28 lessons). The course is at the secondary school level and can be evaluated for 1 credit of study in horticulture studies.

• Price: ISK 84,900 (tuition and teaching material included in the price).

• Registration: To the email address gardyrkjuskolinn@fsu.is.

• The registration deadline is 8 April.