“What the man does with power makes the woman with technology and brains”, says Manfred Bader, freelance forestry master. Under his guidance, six interested women now learned how to use the chainsaw.
The first of two course days was entirely devoted to the theory: Felling techniques were involved, as well as the construction, maintenance and care of the chainsaw, and a first aid course was also on the program.
In safety clothing and armed with a power saw, it went on the second day. At a felled tree, the women – they mostly came from surrounding communities – practiced cutting techniques, before they went to sell themselves.
When asked why there is an extra chainsaw course for women and the demand for them continues to increase, the experts learned that there are more and more women owning a piece of woodland. But that’s not necessarily the main reason. The fact that it is simply funnier among women and they can ask open questions. And: In a mixed course, they would sometimes be treated by the participating men. “As if we were not done for the job and at home we were only allowed to do the initial work,” said one participant.
Instructor Bader has specifically addressed in his course that women have to deal with the handling of the chainsaw unlike men and answered their questions. The course is not means simpler or work in the forest is less dangerous. Bader emphasizes.
This is also confirmed by district manager Silvia from the Department of Food, Agriculture and Forestry: “Forestry is one of the most dangerous jobs, which are why you always have to be in the forest for at least two,” said Silvia. But tree felling is not only dangerous for the workers. Even walkers disregarded again and again the barriers and thus put themselves in mortal danger. “Blocked roads may under no circumstances be entered,” Silvia warned.
For one falling tree can outline another. This is not always aware of hikers. Again and again, there are fatal accidents such as a cyclist, which disregarded the barrier and was killed by a tree, said Silvia.
As new methods and techniques for tree-growing are developed over time, Bader recommended visiting such a course every few years, not just to learn new things but also to refresh what he has learned.