A method and apparatus (100) for stripping irregular material (2) from a line (1) during relative movement between the apparatus (100) and line (1). The apparatus (100) includes a line guide (200), material guide (210) and stripping mechanism (101). The line (1) passes through the line guide (200). The material guide (210) is configured to guide, constrict, compact and/or re-orientate the irregular material (2) into engagement with the stripping mechanism (101). The stripping mechanism (101) has stripping elements (102) movable with respect to the line guide (200) and line (1) to strip the material (2) from the line (1). The method includes stripping material (2) from a line (1) extending between two end supports (4) and being releasably attached to intermediate supports (3). The material (2) is stripped by causing relative movement between a guide (100) and the line (1) after the line (1) is detached and moved away from the intermediate supports (3).
