Frank S, Frank H, and Jan L (new volunteer on first session) were working on the path that goes along the North bank of Will Clough up towards New Road. This right-of-way climbs some precarious concrete steps and then follows the crumbling edge of the ravine.
The main task
This was to install a revetment where the path was collapsing down the steep banking into the stream.
Start of the session:Here's where the path was . . . might have been . . . should have been!
A start has been made (or will be once Frank H has stopped leaning on his spade!) on cutting back encroaching vegetation.
Work in progress:
The path is being widened and levelled in preparation for the revetment.
Good technique and effort from Jan our new volunteer who is on his first session.
End of the sessionThree sections of revetment rail have been used and carefully cut to fit neatly at the joining points. A mixture of standard (600 mm) and long (900 mm) stobs have been driven into the ground to anchor the rails.
Minor adjustments to the levelling of the path have been made and the downslope edge has been landscaped
Other tasks:
1. Just beyond the far end of the revetment, the path edge is also tending to slip down the bank, but we managed to widen it by cutting back the heather and honeysuckle, so that revetment would not be necessary. Further work may be needed on this section - a job, perhaps, for next week.
2. Further up the hill several fallen trees or drooping branches were obstructing the path. Here's an example -
Energetic work by Frank S with bow-saw and loppers cleared the the blockage and provided enough brash for habitat piles.
Overall, this was a very satisfying day. Our new volunteer fitted seamlessly into the CROWS work system (good effort, Jan. Thank you) and we were pleased with the high quality end result. An almost impassable section of path is gradually being brought back into use.
Weather conditions permitting, we'll be back next week to continue with these improvements.
Today's work was funded by the Luddenden Foot Ward Forum.
