Long Causeway above Baiting's reservoir.
Jak, Jerry and Angus were faced with an overgrown boardwalk which, due to erosion and failure of some cross-treads, was in a somewhat precarious condition. The boardwalk crossed the ditch at the edge of Long Causeway road and forms part of the footpath linking Baiting's reservoir, passing through Blackwood farm and continuing over the moor towards Boothwood reservoir below the M62 (see location map below).
Work funded by Ripponden Parish Council
We arrived to find this! The boardwalk's in there somewhere!
The site was overgrown and we had to park at the edge of the road which was unusually busy. Fortunately, as we had two vehicles, we could parked on either side of the work area and alert oncoming drivers with our hazard warning indicators.
After much cutting back we uncovered the boardwalk to reveal the full extent of the problem. Water flowing from the field had eroded the ground beneath the field end of the boardwalk which was now balanced atop an old rotted post causing it to twist as you walked across (towards the 'gate' end).
The extent of the work to be done now uncovered.
The old boardwalk was removed and foundations excavated at either end. We also did our best to replace the stones which had washed out from beneath the large stone at the gate entrance. Two 100 mm x 100 mm posts were secured using short stobs to form a foundation onto which the new boardwalk could be built.
Jerry inspecting the erosion damage caused by the water run-off.
After much measuring and double-checking the bearers were installed, the stringers attached and the cross-treads fitted - as if by magic the new boardwalk was in place and 'glowing' under the overcast skies. (Fortunately the rain didn't make an appearance).
Getting there.
The finished boardwalk being stress tested by Jak.
Once the boardwalk was completed, the site was tidied up and landscaped. We then walked up to Blackwood farm and put in place a couple of waymarkers - all under the watchful eye of an excited Curlew who felt we were invading her territory. We kept an eye out for the nest but it was well hidden. We met with the farmer who was already making plans to replace the the old gate at the field entrance - this will complement the boardwalk nicely.
Please take care not to disturb my nest as you walk by!
