Getting vehicles across soft ground

Event organisers, builders and tree surgeons often have to take vehicles across grass or soft ground.

A route laid with mats or metal trackway keeps the way open when the weather turns. Planning that route early also protects the soil, the trees nearby and the people on site.

Planning vehicle routes at events

An event organiser is responsible for managing the risks from vehicles on site. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asks organisers to keep people and vehicles apart, and to finish vehicle work in public areas before the audience arrives.

Routes can break up in bad weather. HSE suggests alternatives where routes deteriorate, or temporary surfaces such as hardcore, metal trackway, straw or woodchip.

When organisers first visit a site, HSE suggests they find out how much weight the ground can bear and how the site copes with flooding.

Keeping the soil in good shape

Defra's code of practice on soils asks site teams to keep traffic to set routes. It also suggests moving soil in the driest conditions possible, with tracked machines where they can be used.

Heavy machinery can press soil down until it is too dense. The code lists this over-compaction among the ways building work damages soil. Compacted soil drains slowly, so water can sit on the surface long after rain.

Looking after trees along the route

British Standard BS 5837:2012 gives recommendations for trees during design, demolition and construction. It is written for arborists, builders, contractors and land managers, among others. Its recommendations apply whether or not the work needs planning permission.

In England, the government's standing advice on ancient and veteran trees gives a minimum root protection area. Around each tree it is at least 15 times the trunk's diameter, or 5 metres beyond the edge of the canopy if that is larger. Around ancient woodland, the buffer is at least 15 metres.

Protected trees

In England, councils protect some trees with a Tree Preservation Order. Wilful damage to a protected tree without the council's written consent is an offence. In the government's view, cutting roots also needs the council's consent.

The local planning authority can say whether a tree on your route is protected. Trees in conservation areas have their own protection, set out in the same guidance.

Before stakes go in