Pennine Way path:
Several issues were identified in last year's survey. Today, a team of five - Guy, Andy, Paul, Jan and Rich - went to deal with a few drainage problems and carry out some waymarking. This work was funded by a partnership between Natural England and Calderdale Highways.
The session started with a long carry of tools and materials from Withens Clough to the work sites - luckily with glorious blue sky and sunshine.
The first problem was water and mulch crossing the path (even after this spell of dry weather).
As well as scraping off the path, we tried to tackle the source of the problem by directing surface water into a nearby drain. The area was covered with moss and sedge, so the aim was to deal with the water without compromising the ecology.
Three people with spades and scrapers put in a number of channels.
Meanwhile, two CROWS went off towards Stoodley Pike to try and 'encourage' people not to walk on the eroded peat by putting in three yellow-topped guide posts on the 'dry' line of the path.
After installing them, which involved a lot of 'to-ing and fro-ing' about the correct positions, we were delighted that two runners and two walkers took the hint and used the optimum route!
Then it was beyond Stoodley Pike to deal with another drainage issue - an overflowing spring spilling water over the path.
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The final job was to waymark the path running alongside Sunderland Pasture.
A long day with a long carry, but a brief stop at the Robin Hood was restorative!
