On the subject of Beaters and pickers up. On one shoot I go on I can think of one retired Headmaster, one Professor of Mathematics, two university lecturers (husband & wife) in geology, a retired Engineer, a Veterinary surgeon (female and quite attractive too) and of course your's truely. Quite an eclectic mix.
Heather burning is hard, hot and dirty work as I can attest. First it has to be a fine day for the heather to be dry enough, you have to wear thick clothing to protect the skin from the heat of the fire. First ascertain the direction of the wind and start a small fire about 200 to 300 yards from a stream. Once you have started the fire then go like crazy trying to beat it out wondering why on earth you started it in the first place. By now you have a conflagration about thirty yards wide and going at a brisk walking pace. I use an aluminium shovel to beat with, some use a long pole with a length of broad rubber belting and some use a sort of Witch's broom known as a Besom. Work like crazy and just about have it under control by the time the stream is reached and pray that it doesn't jump it. Have a quick rest and a drink of water and then repeat the process. One strange thing is a fire will continue to burn after the sun has gone down if it was lit before but it is near impossible to start a new fire after the sun is down and the dew comes in. At the end of the day you are worn out, black faced and with hair that is like wire wool from the smoke and sweat and smell like a smoked kipper. Great exercise workout. Lagopus.....
