TODMORDEN - Tree at Greenhurst Hey

A very large oak tree at Greenhurst Hey above Todmorden was reported by a path user as it was gradually falling across the path and it wasn't clear whether it was stable. 

Thanks again for the expertise of Ian Clarkson and to donations to CROWS for funding the work.  

The tree was growing out of the bank of the clough with the top being supported by upper branches of a nearby tree. It wasn't at all clear which way it would fall and we were anxious not to allow any timber to fall in the clough. After a lot of pondering, a plan was made. The first stage was to remove several branches that were in the way of working. 

The next stage was to cut the main trunk, then to reduce the weight, it was sliced up into sections. 

All the pieces were stacked up on the edge of the path. 

 The top section of the tree looks very stable, so rather than cutting it all up, we decided to leave it. 

Although the path is now passable, we will be back to sort out some drainage, a stream crossing and a reroute of the path around the tree stump.  

 

 

OLD CHAMBER Hebden Bridge

You remember that rickety stile above the road from Old Chamber onto the footpath across the fields to Jumps?

Here

Well, it is rickety no more!  Andy & Stella beat the rain to dig out the rotten stile legs, and replace the step and cross-rails with new timbers.

The legs were rotten, the step very wobbly

And the ascent/descent from/to the road

                                                                                   is steep

 

Now you can step up...

...or down with confidence.

It may be possible to put a dog-gate in too but that needs discussion with the farmer about re-tensioning her stock-fence.  The next stile up the field is also tricky . . . we'll contact the landowner to see if any improvements can be made.

This work was funded by donations to CROWS. Thank you.

RYBURN - Path 62 continued

Angus, Lynda and Rich continued working on this path towards Old Ripponden Bank. Today's jobs were re-erecting a fingerpost, cutting back encroaching holly, three drainage issues and some waymarking. Today's work was funded by Calderdale Highways. 

Holly cut back, path now accessible

Reinvigorated post

Then it was on to three drainage issues where water was running over the path and, in each case, creating a quagmire. 

We were able to channel the water so the land will dry out and it will be easy to step over the channel. 

Channels and stepping stones

Washing the tools

Cutting back the path running with water (no longer)

 

The last job was to renew the yellow blobs on the trees through the beech wood so people can see where the path goes. 

We have about half-finished the work on this path, so we might take a break and do some earlier reported jobs. 
 

 

WALSDEN - step building

On a day when a large proportion of the country was covered in snow, Catherine, Ian V and Kasher decided to play it safe and to tackle a job 'not on the tops'. 

We decided to sort out the steps on Tod 212 in Walsden. This route goes from Inchfield Road to the Carriage Drive and then to the Recreation Ground off Scott Street. It was clear that sometime ago this route must have had a large number of steps to make getting up (and down) the slope easier. All that now remains are rotten timber risers and trip-hazard stobs.

Starting from the Carriage Drive and working up towards Inchfield Road we have extracted isolated stobs, removed the remnants of risers, cut back the path and constructed six new steps.

We will need a couple more sessions to complete this task.

Today's work has been funded by individual donations to CROWS. Many thanks to all for helping us to keep these paths open and safe for users.

Tod 212 in Walsden: steps to be replaced.

Remnants of stobs and wooden risers along the path.

The path needs widening and trip hazards removing.

Ian V and Catherine installing the first step.

The first step being completed.

Kasher and Ian working on the flight of steps.

Synchronised stob-bashing!

The completion of six steps up the slope
from the Carriage Drive.

RYBURN - Path 62 from Haven to Ripponden Old Bank

 First session on this great old route along the hillside above the Ripponden Valley. Guy, Andy Ian S, Rich, Steve, Jerry and Angus tackled several cutting back jobs (mainly holly), removal of two fallen trees, several drainage issues, waymarking, and fixing a stile. Plenty more to do on this route! Today's work was funded by Calderdale Highways. 

At the start of the path we cut back the holly and added a waymark. 

Before and after

Through one of the lovely stone squeeze stiles

Holly tree cut back to make a way through

Repairing a broken wall next to a stile

Channeling the water across the path

Awkward crossing before tree removal and water channeling (needs a bit more work)

Getting back to the car!