So the final day of work in Rough Hey Woods is here . . . and what a lovely Spring day.
Without the kind and generous donation from the Russell family, none of the 17 days we have worked on this project would have been possible. A huge thank you, therefore, to them, not just from CROWS but also on behalf of all walkers who have used or will use the paths in this wonderful wood.
Today's task for Jak, Andy, Rich, Graham and Angus, was to install a flight of steps on a slippery banking on the path that leads from Stansfield Mill Lane, across a couple of fields (where there was a water crossing to improve) and then back into Butterworth End Woods.
With no suitable vehicle access, the first job was to carry the tools and materials some 700 m up the Lane and along the top of the woods to the worksite . . . a tough slog!
Locations of today's worksites circled in blue.
The 'treacherous when wet' banking that needs steps!
Once we had got our breath back, Jak, Andy and Angus started cutting back the ever-invasive holly and working out the positions for the steps. The worst sections were at the start of the slope and where it exited into the field, so we we able to work in two teams.
Meanwhile, Graham and Richard tackled the stream crossing a couple of fields away. Today it was possible to cross this stream as water flow was low but, after heavy rain, it is a more precarious venture over a number of small flat stones.
The plan was to place a single, large oblong stone on one edge of the stream and a couple of large flat stones on the other. This created a channel for unobstructed water flow whilst providing a stable stepping-over point. After a bit of grunting and heaving the stones were in place - a great job done!
'Stepping stones' now in place, looking from both path directions.
Oblong stone in place, protecting the field edge and giving a firm step-over point.
Meanwhile back at the slippery bank, things were starting to take shape, although we managed a 'breather' when a couple of walkers stopped for a chat and an update about CROWS and what we do.
It soon became apparent that we would need more material to complete the job. Originally we had an estimate of 8 steps, but felt that couple more at the bottom and the top would help. Fortunately, Jak volunteered to make the journey back to the depot to collect the additional items.
Upper section of flight taking shape.
View from the lower section.
Jak backfilling the steps on the upper section.
Angus securing a side panel to the top step to reduce erosion down the slope.
Always nice to talk with walkers about what we do.
The view from the exit of the woods towards the slope and the new steps
So ends the work in Rough Hey Woods . . . unless we need to return to do some cutting back and/or attend to issues identified by footpath users!
Again, a big thank you to the Russell family for their generosity which made this work possible. We hope that more people will enjoy these woods and the network of paths as much as the CROWS volunteers have enjoyed working here.
Returning home down Stansfield Lane . . . at least it was all downhill!
