There were three teams out today.
Team 1: On the river path
Paul and Frank S first of all helped carry two planks up the hill for Ray and Frank H to install as a revetment (more later). Then we returned to the river path where, on Monday, we were working on the fallen fence. The job was to tension the wires and complete the drainage works. Although the picture below looks much as it did on Monday, the fence is now pulled tight and stapled onto each of the new posts.
The difficult part of a wire fence is always the last post that pulls the wires tight. As this job aimed to improve the footpath rather than to improve the fence, we tethered the last post with an unconventional method - a tensioning wire anchored to the fallen tree trunk.
Team 2: Broad Head
Ray and Frank H started the day with a heavy carry uphill of tools and materials. Fortunately they were helped by two eager Sherpas - Paul and Frank S - who shouldered the revetment rails. Thanks guys.
The steep uphill climb raised a sweat that a very hot day combined with an energetic task did nothing to reduce. Here's the problem.
Here's how the work progressed:
Mid-day: path widened and revetment temporarily in place. |
End of the session: A wider, safer and stabilised path. |
Eleanor starts the clearing |
Some steps were still serviceable and just needed clearing .. |
.... but others had rotted away over the years |
Two steps replaced ... |
...and three more further down the hill |
Some stone steps further down were also cleared but there is more to do. We think at least two more work parties will be required to complete the work and make this well used path much safer.
Today's work was supported by the Hebden Royd Mayor's Fund.