A couple of return jobs this morning for Jak, Lynda, Jerry and Angus. Job 1 saw Jerry and Angus heading for the Riverside path at Rishworth to repair a damaged wall, whilst Lynda and Jak headed for Back Lane behind the Alma Inn to clear Balsam.
Job 1 - This particular section of the path has been visited previously to rebuild a partial collapse at a gap in the wall but on this occasion parts of the wall seemed to have been deliberately pushed down. The two substantial stone posts complete with hinge fixings would indicate that this was originally a field-gate gap which was then partly filled-in and a smaller, wooden, pedestrian gate substituted. The wooden gate had eventually rotted and the stonework had collapsed.
Location of today's work circled in blue.
The collapsed wall next to one of the original gate posts.
This is a well-used section of the Riverside path and several walkers and runners passed through the gate whilst we were working on it. They were all happy to see something being done to tidy up the fallen stonework. This repair, as with the previous work on the Riverside path, was funded by Calderdale Highways. Many thanks.
The section now rebuilt . . . let's hope it stays like this.
Job 2 - Saw a return to Back Lane where the Himalayan Balsam was well established and starting to flower. It's an on-going task to keep this at bay. Lynda and Jak started by hand pulling the Balsam and cutting back brambles and nettles which had also started to encroach onto the path. Jerry and Angus joined later and completed the job, although there may be a further visit required towards the end of the month. This work has been funded by generous donations through the CROWS website.
Map showing the location of Back Lane.
Balsam well established and encroaching onto the path.
Balsam growing out of the drain at the edge of the path.
Pulled Balsam has its roots crushed and is left to wither.
Path cleared . . . but for how long? A return visit required methinks.
