There were two teams out from Todmorden today.
Team 1: Ken and Mick: improvement to tree enclosures at Guide Quarry, Flower Scar Road.
Team 2: Neil M, Catherine and Kasher: cutting back on a number of bridleways and footpaths in the Todmorden area.
Today's work was funded by Todmorden Town Council. Many thanks.
Details:
Team 1 (vertical extensions): A number of trees were planted near to Guide Quarry (see blogs of 02/07/2022 and 26/05/2023). Each tree was protected by a wooden enclosure, using recycled or donated timber. The trees have grown well but now need further protection from the cattle that graze the moor and from the ever-increasing number of deer.
Various suggestions had been made on how to keep the trees out of the reach of hungry livestock but, having received a donation of some stout netting, CROWS have opted to construct vertical extensions to the existing enclosures . . . we just hope the idea works!
This week, a trial extension was added to one enclosure. If this is successful, others will follow.
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| The original tree enclosure. |
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| The tree enclosure plus vertical extension. |
Team 2: (have loppers, will travel): We had been informed that the bridleway which goes from East Lee Lane towards Rodwell End (Tod BW 037) was extremely difficult to use. We have now managed to cut back the overhanging branches to make this awkward route easier to negotiate for users on horse or bike.
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| Tod BW 037 towards Rodwell End. |
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| Low branches on this route are a potential hazard for those on (say) horseback. |
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| Neil M in action with the pole-saw. |
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| Catherine and a well-camouflaged Neil cutting back. |
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| The route cleared of overhead obstructions. |
We then moved on to the well-walked path between Broadstone Street and Carr House Lane and cut back brambles, nettles and the odd overhanging tree branch. Thankfully, the lower section of this route has already been cut back this season.
The final visit of the day was to Slant Lane, off Cross Stone Road, (Tod 040) to cut back the brambles and overhanging vegetation. We last attacked this lane in September 2024 (see blog 26/09/2024) and carried out a 'hard' cut-back of the vigorous Rhododendrons and the rampant bramble bushes. Hopefully today's lighter trim will keep the path clear for another year.
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| Slant Lane (Tod 040) |
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| The track seems to be being taken over by cleavers (goose-grass). |
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| Catherine on a cutting back mission. |