Pioneering Poles, Spars & Staves

What is a pioneering pole?


Pioneering Poles are used by the Scouts and other outdoor groups for making structural projects. Sizes range according to the age groups of the participants and are typically from 1m to 6.0m long.


If you are considering starting pioneering it is worth considering a smaller set to begin with so that you can practise knot tying. There are lots of great projects you can do with some stave sized poles, alongside a couple of larger diameter lengths.

Table below list of popular pioneering poles sizing - these are butt sizes.

Most groups go for Thin or Standard and some add in some heavy poles for extra measure.

Tapering usually 5mm per meter to the top.

Length Thin Standard Heavy
2m 50 - 60mm 75 - 90mm 95 - 105mm
3m 55 - 65mm 85 - 95mm 95 - 105mm
4m 60 - 70mm 90 - 100mm 110 - 120mm
5m 65 - 75mm 95 - 105mm 115 - 125mm

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Natural / untreated poles have been used for pioneering for decades and is the reason why people choose to buy our rustic poles for pioneering purposes. They are stronger than machined rounds in principle because they are in essence "the whole tree" - we haven't shaved them down to specific sizes like machined rounds. They are also a great mix of the rough and the smooth - not too slippy for your ropes, and not too rough for your hands, although gloves are always a good idea when handling wood.


Please note - these are pioneering poles in name only - we have not modified them for use. We have not done any load bearing tests, therefore the responsibility of end use is with the customer. There are some brilliant reference sources available online that suggest what size poles to use for which project, which we are happy to point you in the direction of and discuss with you.


Rustic poles - we now do bulk discount for rustic poles (bark on) over a certain amount - so if you group together you may be able to get a discount & share on transport costs.


It also is a great idea if you are able to chat to groups surrounding you and see if you can get other groups on board, then you can share transport costs. 


  • Do you have a price list?

    Yes we can produce a quote with pricing on for you for the various sizing in the table. Please contact us for price info. 

  • Can I get a quote for delivery?

    Please let us know where you would like them to be delivered and we will calculate a delivery cost. 


    Collection is free from Hampshire / Berkshire

  • Do you sell a starter kit?

    Yes & no. If you are starting from scratch with pioneering all the guides tell you is that your groups should ideally practise knot tying on a small scale to get to grips and not become too disinterested if the projects are too hard. 


    Perhaps start with a selection of the thinner poles / staves and look at camp gadgets or scout meeting challenge projects. You can also add a set of larger poles for a big project too. 


    Think of your pioneering set as something you can add to as skills and interest grows. 


    Get in touch for a quote


  • How do I store natural poles?

    Certainly something to think about in advance. Looking after wood that hasn't been pressure treated means we have to provide unnatural conditions! 


    Which means we need them to be out of the wet, off the floor with air flow in between them. 


    Some people store them outside, others have areas inside. If you can look after them and ideally apply preserver you will be good for many years. Oliver has had an untreated pole in his workshop for 10 years without any signs of degrading. 


    If you buy our poles we will provide more detailed info about caring for natural poles

  • Can we have bespoke sizing?

    Yes, the table is based on the majority of groups ask for. If you need something specific we can go out into the forest and find it. 

  • Can we peel them ourselves?

    Yes of course you can. We will always help you with what you need if you decide to do this. 

  • Can these go in the ground permanently?

    These are primarly softwoods which are perfect for their straightness but aren't the best material for being planted in the ground like you would a pergola. However you could put a bituman liner around the bottom of the pole. We can give you more details if you wanted to look into this. 


    We can also provide prices for other woods that might be more suitable. 

  • What is the lead time?

    Lead times vary throughout the year with spring and summer being the busiest. We currently do not have any stock, so everything is felled & prepared to order.