The path up Will Clough is a lovely old route from Turvin Road to Craggies Farm Shop. It had become overgrown and some of the path edging was going. Stella, Ginny and Rich cleared the steps, removed some of the tree branches, widened the path and cut back encroaching vegetation and put in some revetment to secure the path edge. Today's work was funded by Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association who run an annual Cragg Vale event - many thanks.
We were anxious to do this work now as Himalayan Balsam has just started to appear and clearing it now should at least check its growth. If you want to know what how to tackle a patch of balsam near you, check out our guide on our website - crows-coop.co.uk/balsam/
The details
The first job was to cut back and clear the concrete steps
Moving on, the path edge had crumbled leaving a disguised long drop into the stream. A length of revetment was put in and the path was widened.
Onward and upwards, the encroaching brambles and heather was all cut back making the narrow path much wider.
The next section presented three problems, large rocks on the path that needed removing, a sea of Himalayan balsam just showing themselves that needed scraping off and several willow trees that were weeping over the path requiring walkers to practise limbo dancing!
Using bow saws, loppers and shears we managed to cut back the trees opening up the path.
The path all cleared, the balsam scraped, we will need to return to check the balsam growth (and maybe have time to visit Craggies).
