This was an overdue task which had been help up due to roadworks on A58 Rochdale road, with these now completed, Linda, Graham, nursing a bad back, and Angus set about cutting back the overgrown vegetation on this well used thoroughfare.
Map showing the path linking the A58 Rochdale road to Nursery Lane.
The lower section of the path, from the A58 to Ladywell farm, was relatively clear though a large Leylandii had encroached from the property adjacent to the start of the path. Further up, a number of self-seeding trees were removed along with some epicormic growth and an area of bramble scrub.
Before & after images, taken 24 hours apart, it was a nice day on Sunday!
Before & after image of the section below Ladywell farm.
The most challenging stretch was just above Ladywell farm where the path wound its way through the farm yard and behind the houses, the path was still visible but vegetation on either side was beginning to take over. Efforts had been made by the residents to remove some of the worst of the brambles and protruding branches, but more vigorous cutting-back will allow more light in to help keep the soft path from becoming too boggy.
The section beyond Ladywell farm was clear of vegetation all the way to its exit on Nursery Lane, the path is well used by walkers and is marked as a route by the "RunAble" running community, one of several routes in the area.
Today's work, along with the clearing of the bridleway on Spa Green Lane in October, was funded by Ripponden Parish Council and donors to CROWS. An additional thankyou to Mrs Low for coffee and Parkin at the end of the morning.
