On a slightly different day from the norm, starting at 8am, Jerry, Rich and Angus tackled the next section of backfilling along the footpath from East Longley towards Sowerby Bridge. Again, we are indebted to Ian Mathews for supplying yet another bag of woodchip for this work which has been funded by a number of donations to CROWS. A big 'thank you' to Ian and to those who have donated. It will require one more day of levelling and strimming to complete the last section of this path.
Before and after image of the next section of the backfilling work.
We then met Jak, Linda, Lynda and Graham at the Outhouse Café, below Norland Moor, along with 13 members of the "We In Front" walking group from Huddersfield. This diverse group of walkers was formed during Covid. Their story makes interesting reading which you can follow via their website, https://www.weinfront.co.uk/ .
"We In Front" and CROWS out on an adventure.
The route of today's walk shown in blue.
From previous walking visits to the area, they were interested in meeting the people behind CROWS and understanding how it operates.
Rather than standing in a carpark and chatting about CROWS, we took them on a walk which took in several recent projects. This gave both parties a chance to chat and get to know each other, while seeing some CROWS work.
Heading up onto Norland Moor.
Photo opportunity atop Ladstone Rock
The plan was to follow the Calderdale Way to the footpath below Highlee Flat, then head off into Rough Hey Wood where there was plenty opportunity to view examples of CROWS work.
Richard gave an excellent overview on the background to CROWS and some of the challenges that we face. We made our way along the path to various stiles, revetment work and boardwalks and showed them some "before" images of the site and explained how/why the work had been done and the problems faced.
Richard explaining the finer points of CROWS.
As we made our way along the path, we were treated to some rousing singing from Errol, the founder of the "We In Front" group. A larger-than-life character whose love of walking started from getting out of the house for 60 minutes exercise during the lockdown. Despite several personal challenges, he's never looked back and is a true inspiration to all of us.
Errol in full voice negotiating a stile below Toad Hall. The man's a legend!
Arriving back at the Outhouse Café, where they tucked in to excellent coffee and cakes, we reviewed the walk and said our goodbyes. They hope to visit some other locations and may well team up with the groups at Todmorden and Mytholmroyd to undertake a similar trek.
Doing something a bit different with a diverse and interesting group of people who enjoy the outdoors, was a breath of fresh air. Their appreciation of CROWS was most welcome. We wish them 'all the best' in their future adventures and hope to see them again soon.
