1. Wear overalls, a boiler suit or close-fitting clothes. Loose clothing and scarves are dangerous when working with tools or moving heavy objects.
  2. Heavy leather work boots with Vibram or nailed soles and steel toe-caps give good grip and protect the feet. If wellingtons need to be worn, preferably wear the type with steel toe-caps.
  3. Gloves with a gauntlet are very useful when clearing brambles or nettles, but do not wear gloves on the hand holding an edged tool as it makes the handle difficult to grip. Leather gloves are also useful protection when handling heavy boulders but must fit well and not slip. Wear heavy duty rubber gloves when handling creosoted wood. Canvas or leather gloves will only absorb the creosote and retain a permanent aroma that transfers to the hands.
  4. Woollen trousers or breeches are useful in wet or cold weather, particularly in the uplands, as they retain warmth even when wet.
  5. If working during the summer in tall grasses or bracken, long sleeved shirts and trousers tucked into socks are a useful precaution against sheep tick infestation. Similar clothing is advisable against midges on some moorland and mountain sites during the summer. Midge hoods, available from outdoor clothing specialists, can also be worn. Choose hoods of a light-coloured material, to avoid reducing visibility.

Chapters