Method and apparatus for stripping material from a line

A method of stripping organic material from a line extending between two end supports and being releasably attached to one or more intermediate supports, said method using an apparatus including:

• a stripping mechanism
• a material guide including upper and lower driven rotatable members between which the line passes, the rotatable members configured to constrict, compact, re-orientate and guide said irregular material attached to the line into engagement with the stripping mechanism during said relative movement;
• said stripping mechanism having at least one stripping element movable with respect to the line, said stripping element being configured in use to impinge on the irregular material, thereby at least partially stripping the material from said line;
• a line guide for positioning the line therein and guiding the line during said relative movement, the at least one stripping element movable with respect to the line guide;
• said method including the steps of:
• detaching the line from at least one said intermediate support and laterally displacing the line away from same;
• positioning said line in the line guide and material guide;
• and
• moving the line guide, material guide and stripping mechanism along the line past the, or each, intermediate support to strip the organic material therefrom.