Jerry, Linda and Rich went to work on two sections of the 'Sowerby Bridge Industrial Heritage Walk'.
The first section, going up from Woodlands, needed encroaching laurel cutting back (severely!), steps clearing, drainage sorting and some waymarking. It is now passable but, as it is a school route, we will return to make further improvements.
The second section, from the disused railway line down to the riverside above Mill House Mill, is almost invisible with a heavy overgrowth that is restricting its use.
Today's work was funded by Sowerby Bridge Town Board.
The details
The steps going up to the school were cleared of leaves and other debris, and two waymarks were also added.
We then looked at a drainage issue where water was flowing down the path. We located the problem and carried out a temporary 'fix', but we will talk to Calderdale Highways about the need for a major repair.
Then it was on to the main job - clearing the 'almost impassable' path.
 |
| The situation before we arrived |
.JPG) |
| Making progress using hedge-cutter, shears and loppers |
.JPG) |
| What a difference! The main section of the path now cleared |
Although the final section is passable, we will return to remove some overhead branches and deal with the residual ivy. This will let more light on to the path and make it easier (and safer) for schoolchildren to use.
Then, we moved down the road to Mill House Works. Above these works there is a path that heads up to the railway line . . . but it is difficult to find!
We added a low waymark post and cut back the overhanging branches.
 |
| Should be obvious now |
We have further work to do upstream on the riverside path and on Stansfield Mill Lane. When this is completed a lovely short circular walk will have been created.
