Pruning & Ruts?

[ReadySalted]

So today I did my first couple of greenlanes, and it was great fun. Was in a completely standard 300tdi disco with BF A/T on front and Long Trails on back.
Just got home and while I'm finishing off my flask of tea I've been reading some of the controversial news articles and forum discussions on the Rambler Vs Motorised user fued. As somebody who is outdoors a couple of times a week either walking, or climbing, I can honestly say I'm astounded at the view of rambles and national park bumbders and their arguments seem childish. Nevertheless interesting reading. Anyway...

The only two frustrating things about today (apart from being paranoid that every bump I heard was something underneath being ripped off the chassis) were that 1. I had to keep jumping out and checking my for diff clearance due to the quite deep ruts, and 2. My car's pretty good paintwork being scratched by overgrowing bushes.

Presumably besides being tactical about which ruts I drive in, and which I straddle there isn't alot I can do about them other than raising the height of the disco? and I assume most lanes are like this or do they vary from area to area?
Also I've read in LRO magazine that taking loppers and cutting back the foliage to avoid scratching paintwork is perfectly within a byway users rights, and does no harm, but do most people take the time to do it?

Unfortunaltely no photos today as I didn't take my camera, but I can tell that this is something I'll be doing much more often now, so no doubt there will be pics before long.
Oh and the lanes I used were in the Kington area in Hereforshire.

 

[Nicktrackside]

Most of the Warwickshire lanes we used on the last bank holiday were very overgrown. It could take weeks to trim back the foliage ! and just as you get to the end its grown back at the start.

 

[Ryder]

Fitting alift will not help you increase clearance. The diff will still be the same height above the surface. It will, however, allow you a little more room between the wheel hub and the body... therefore allowing you to fit bigger tyres.

To my mind you got it right today... get out of the vehicle... take a damn good look and see whether you are going to clear the obstruction... that's why I NEVER get stuck!

 

[BenjyP]

Fitting alift will not help you increase clearance. The diff will still be the same height above the surface. It will, however, allow you a little more room between the wheel hub and the body... therefore allowing you to fit bigger tyres.

To my mind you got it right today... get out of the vehicle... take a damn good look and see whether you are going to clear the obstruction... that's why I NEVER get stuck!

NEVER..... Well just not AS stuck as some others i believe would be closer to the truth....

But yes - you are within your rights to cut back foliage, i have done on lanes i often drive as i know i will be going often but sometimes its not worth it... depends how precious you are on the paint.....

 

[duker996]

Which lanes were you doing? I have a few mapped out around Kington, Prestigne and Hay on Wye but I'm yet to try any of them! Just need to get my arse in gear and get an MOT back on my landy!

 

[Paul D]

Be aware that if you carry equipment all the time you are allowed to use it to abate any obstruction, which could include pruning equipment. You cannot, however, carry equipment to remove specific obstructions without prior landowners consent .. though how anyone would know the difference is beyond me!

What it means is if you happen across, for instance, a fallen tree, you can use stuff in the vehicle, a bow-saw say and strops, to pull the tree off the byway to make enough room to pass through (abate the obstruction).

You are NOT allowed to throw the tree in a ditch/field/passing group of walkers, you must only move it far enough so it doesn't obstruct your way.
You are also NOT allowed to find the fallen tree, turn round and go and get equipment to shift it at a later time .. you must come across obstacles and remove them only with stuff 'normally carried' in the vehicle.

Being a caretaker at school means I have all sorts of 'handy' tools and kit to do things like this all the time .. Many people are/become keen gardeners or DIYers and carry their tools when off-roading to facilitate this and keep within the law ..

Dunno how it's policed mind ....

 

[Davec]

Also, if you cut any vegetation you must leave it, it belongs to the Land Owner. After moving a tree you cannot chop it up and take it home as firewood.