Cranberry Dam: boardwalks galore!
On a day that started with very heavy rain a gang of CROWS (Kasher, Ian S, Ian V, Nick, Guy, Jerry, Steve and Frank H) made a speculative start to the tricky task of constructing a triple section boardwalk over a reedy swamp (See map for location).
 |
| 1. Map: worksite just below Cranberry Dam |
The Detail
Moving the small mountain of timber and tools in pouring rain from Ramsden Lane to the worksite was potentially the major logistical problem of the day. Fortunately, not only did the rain gradually peter out but also ideal transport arrived - a local resident with ATV and trailer got all timber/tools within 20 m of the job! Many thanks Tom for your skilled driving and tireless efforts during the day. They were much appreciated.
 |
| 2. Transport! The ATV arrives. It's just one of many trips. |
The job was to construct three, 3 m sections of boardwalk to bridge the swampy ground between two existing boardwalks. Alignment was the main technical problem as the existing boardwalks were 'stand alone' structures and were not installed to be in-line! Picture 3 shows the reedy muddy area that needs the new boardwalks.
 |
| 3. Bogland! This is the problematic gap. |
The gap is ~7.5 m. The plan was to build 3 m boardwalks inwards from the existing boardwalks then rest another 3 m boardwalk on them so as to bridge the remaining space.
The work begins . . .
 |
| 4. Middle boardwalk: Two stringers (3 m) and 18 cross-treads with a 25 mm spacing. |
 |
| 5. Linking old to new: One new boardwalk being positioned. |
 |
| 6. Boardwalks: positions being adjusted. |
The two new 'end' boardwalks were supported by and hex-screwed to new bearers and also anchored by stobs. The bridging boardwalk was also anchored by long stobs and fixed with vertical wooden 'overlap' strips to the 'end' boardwalks. This produced a stable, secure structure.
In between these tasks, time was found to clear the steps (installed by CROWS pre-Covid) that negotiated a steep-sided gully. The steps had been partly engulfed by shale washdown. No 'before' picture was taken but the end result was as follows:
 |
| 7. Winding flight up a steep bank: No longer buried - and a clearing sky in the background. |
Back at the boardwalks it's nearly the end of the task. Kickboards are in place. Edge trim (on boggiest side) are being installed and under-foot grip will be improved with staples.
 |
| 8. Kick board: fitted where there is a step-up onto the bridging boardwalk. |
 |
| 9. Stapling: Synchronised? Nearly. |
 |
| 10. Almost there: Last stapler in town! |
 |
| 11. The long view: New linked onto the old. |
This right of way (Todmorden 136) is popular. The area is regularly visited by Calderdale Ramblers, Rochdale Ramblers, Local dog walkers, Ornithologists and Cold water swimmers. Lucky people - no more mud and water filled boots over this section!
We were pleased with the outcome. The boardwalk is a sturdy, well-anchored integral structure made of treated timber and, barring the catastrophic, should give years of service.
