Undaunted by Storm Floris, Jak, Jerry, Richard and Angus worked on the footpath along the top of Rough Hey Wood, from Highlee Lane to Longley Farm. The footpaths within the wood were initially surveyed by some of the CROWS team but of the several paths shown on the Ordnance Survey map not all are in use and a section of the lower path has been fenced off because of subsidence and sink holes. Some early cutting back was done last week by Jak, Jerry and Graham, but today we started on repairing and replacing stiles.
This work has been possible because of an extremely generous donation from the Russell family - many thanks from CROWS and other users of the path.
Path being worked on is highlighted in yellow.
The location of the stile worked on today is circled in blue.
Before picture: The stile and the footpath!
We had planned to work on the stile at the start of the footpath at Highlee Lane, but the strong winds and driving rain sent us into the wood in search of cover! Then it was a bit of a walk (carrying lots of kit along a slippery, rain-soaked path) to another stile - a somewhat dilapidated, rotten structure - near equally unsound fencing and steps!
Some of the kit to be carried to the worksite.
Undeterred by the rain and sticky conditions, we set about removing the old stile, clearing the steps, cutting back vegetation and removing a fallen Birch tree. The job became increasingly difficult as rain dripped through the tree canopy and mud clung to boots, tools and clothing.
Jerry dismantling the old stile.
Richard and Jerry removing the fallen Birch tree.
First of the new step legs in place. Richard standing on his 'earth' steps.
The section of the path leading to the stile was particularly treacherous due to the sloping ground and the amount of debris (mainly dead holly leaves) on it. To improve underfoot conditions, Richard cut out several 'earth' steps; a temporary measure as these will eventually be replaced with permanent steps.
All is level . . . and it seems to be brightening up . . .
Steps, leading down from the stile to the clough, now cleared of debris and vegetation.
Rain stopped play! We will return later in the week to finish these tasks.
There is still a series of jobs to be done along this section of footpath - several stiles need repair or replacement, steps have to be installed and an eroded edge requires revetment.
