The steps, near the dam, are highlighted as a continuous yellow line at the top of the map. The revetment sections are shown in the centre of the map as two separate yellow lines.
This work is being funded by Friends of Nutclough. Many Thanks.The Detail
The day was calm and clear-skied with winter sun filtering through the trees to create attractive bright patches on the hillside. Unfortunately, that was the hillside on the other side of the valley! We were mainly working in calm, cold, sunless shadow . . . which might account for the monotone nature of some of the pictures!
Fortunately, the tasks involved much scraping, digging, heaving, carrying, hammering, nailing and sawing; a combination guaranteed to keep us warm - provided we didn't stop!
a) The steps
No 'before picture' but all the washed-down mulch that was covering the stone steps near the dam was scraped-off leaving them much easier to use.
Steps cleared and cleaned! The spade crossing a mattock has now been incorporated into Rich's 'coat of arms'!
b) The revetments
i) Start of the session:
 |
| Lower section of the path: new revetment required. Andrew marks the spot! |
 |
| Upper section of the path. Work just starting on the new revetment. |
ii) Work in progress:
The revetment built last week was extended with another 3.6 m length of 100 mm rail. Then, where a side-path joins the main path, a double tier of 150 mm rail was installed to shore up the edge and create a structure suitable to accommodate two 'steps'.
 |
| Path edge being prepared to accept a double depth of 150 mm revetments. |
 |
| Heavy bar being used to create a pilot hole for one of the four 900 mm length stobs that anchor the revetment. |
 |
| More of the same . . . under scrutiny! |
iii) End of session
We had no 'work in progress' pictures for the lower section of the path but old, rotten revetment was removed and three new lengths of rail were installed.
 |
| It's difficult to make a path edge look exciting but a ~12 m length has now been stabilised. |
Meanwhile, the upper section is much improved:
 |
| Single revetment at the start and finish (neatly shaped to meet the boardwalk stringer) with a double tier in the centre where steps will be added to access a path coming in from the right. |
Nutclough is a delightful 'valley' and its network of paths is widely used. Easy access, a sheltered location and a 'one section at a time' nature of the job make it ideal for CROWS' winter work (especially when conditions are poor).
More in future sessions when two 'box' steps will make for a technically interesting day.
