Despite Paul "the weatherman" telling us it would be a bit cooler today, it was still hot, sticky work for Jak, Jerry, Richard and Angus on Bird Lane in Ripponden. Today was finishing-off the excellent work done by Monday's team, further cutting-back, repairing a couple of stiles and clearing the drainage channel down the side of the path. Again, this work was funded by Calderdale Highways.
Location of today's work: Bird Lane (path) off the A58.
Jak and Jerry started with some cutting-back and clearing out the drainage channel which runs down the side of the path. During the winter months, the path becomes very wet and boggy, so in the current dry conditions it was an ideal time to clear out the channel. Hopefully it will drain more effectively when we next get some rain.
Getting stuck-in to clearing the drainage channel - What a difference a couple of hours make!
Meanwhile, Richard and Angus worked on replacing the rotten treadboard on the first stile before heading to the second stile where the wall it crossed had partially collapsed. The first stile only had one treadboard which meant that there was a big downward step. Fortunately, Jerry located a suitable square stone which fitted the job perfectly. Unfortunately, it was covering the home of some particularly grumpy ants . . . who soon let Jerry know how they felt about his intrusion !!
Stile now, with the stone step which Jerry had to wrestle off particularly aggressive ants !!
The second stile which crossed a stone wall, was attached to an overgrown stock-fence. The wall needed rebuilding and the treadboard had come loose. After removing the stonework and cutting back the ivy , we managed to rebuild the wall to give useable access through the wall and onto the now secured treadboard. Currently, the stile is in reasonable order, but, the treadboard and one of its legs will need to be replaced later in the year.
Richard uncovering the fallen stonework.
Job done! Access much better and easier to negotiate.
At the beginning of the path, next to the A58, we noticed the flag on the waymark post was in a sorry state. Fortunately, we had a spare one, and were able to fit it without too many problems.
Waymark flag in a sorry state.
New flag fitted. Good as new . . . which it is!
With the path now clear, it is possible to get from the bus stop on the A58, up to Ripponden Old Lane. Additionally, with the brambles and nettles now cut back, there are plenty of fresh, plump, blackberries to be picked . . . ideal for jam making !
Plenty of ripe berries along this path . . . gather them while you may!
