Postmans Bridge

Equipment

• 2 x Hawsers 20 – 24mm diameter
• Sisal
• Sacking

Method

Select two suitable trees. Tie the two hawsers to one tree, about 1 – 1 1/2m apart, using round turn and two half hitches.

If you are spanning a short distance – say less than 4m – hand tensioning the rope may be sufficient, but for more than that use a handy billy. Tie the ropes off to the second tree, again using the round turn and two half hitches.

Note: When selecting trees for projects, a few points should be considered
They must be substantial enough to take the strain. For this bridge over an eight metre gap we suggest you look for trees with trunks at least 25cm in diameter

The trees must be healthy. Dead branches and fungi growing on the trunk are a sure sign that something is wrong and the tree has been weakened.

Whenever you put a rope around a tree, protect the bark from damage by placing sacking or old canvas around it first. Without the protection the rope is likely to cut into the bark and damage the growing part of the tree. In extreme cases this can kill a tree in a season.

Note: Since the design of the project the principles of Health and Safety have changed dramatically.
Caution should be exercised to assess the risks associated with this build and especially regarding possible falls from height, so handrails or belays and harnesses may be required.

To download the complete plan and design document please Click Here