Jak, Frank S, Paul, Jerry and Angus went from the Mytholmroyd depot on a bright sunny day to complete the work started last Wednesday. The bulk of this was to replace damaged steps at locations 1 & 2 on the map below and to fit revetment at location 3 where the path had started to erode.
Today's work was funded by a generous donations from the 'Hebden Bridge and Mytholm Walkers Action'. Many thanks.
The locations of todays work.
The work on the steps above Hill House Clough was within Stephenson House Wood, which is owned by a local farmer who has spent much time and effort managing this area as a natural habitat for flora, fauna and other wildlife. The delightful carpet of Bluebells through which the path passes are testament to his work.
First job was to clear the leaf debris from the access steps.
The wooden steps were originally installed by CROWS several years ago, but are now starting to show their age although some annual maintenance has been undertaken. We split into two teams with Jak & Frank S tackling the lower steps and Paul, Jerry & Angus finishing the work they started last week.
Upper section of the steps surrounded by Bluebells.
Replacing the lower section of steps was not the easiest of jobs. The steps were on the steep part of the path, where it dropped down to the stepping stones across Hill House Clough and the ground itself was particularly stony and thick with tree roots!
The lower steps to be replaced.
The third area to be worked on was in Redacre Wood, where water running off the bank had severely eroded the lower edge of the path. However, using a combination of revetment boards and the existing, natural barrier of tree roots, we managed to widen and level the path . . . and hopefully reduce the effects of water run-off.
The section of path where the revetment was needed.
and heavy hammering was the order of the day!
Final levelling and grading of the path which now is now wider and safer.
