Pateley Bridge (and Kettlesing school): 15-1-2013

At Pateley Bridge:

This week's task was a joint venture with the NYCC Area Ranger, Catherine Smith, and a couple of the NYCC volunteers, Chris and Roger, to repair a muddy section of the Nidderdale Way path that runs along the river edge at Pateley Bridge from the Millenium bridge area to the Sidings housing estate.
 
The forecast for the day was cold and icy so only 3 AONB volunteers braved the elements to begin the task at 9:45am, Colin, Anita and Ros K, but they were quickly joined by Julia and Dave, our newest recruits, from Harrogate. The first thing we had to do was to dig 2 parallel shallow trenches to put the wooden boards into along the path sides. These would ensure that the new hardcore surface was contained and didn't spill over the borders of the path.

 It took a little while to get a system going but shortly Chris and Roger were able to barrow the hardcore down and spread it evenly using the "wacker plate"- a motorised devise to assist this process."Boys and their toys" came to mind!! 

The other volunteers dug the roots out of the trenches and put in the boards and supporting stakes, also "landscaping" the back of the boards with turf infill, delicate and artistic women's work. By the time lunch break was suggested the path was looking good and the sun was out; the warmth was lovely and we took full advantage of our pretty riverside surroundings.

Tony and Ros E joined us after lunch, having been to Kettlesing school to make bird boxes,with Jan, in the morning. They took on the task of sawing points on some post ends - a little like sharpening pencils - whilst others continued with moving barrow-loads of hardcore. Chris and Roger had to leave at 2:30pm so Anita and Ros K willingly had a lesson from Catherine on how to use the wacker plate- and discovered it had a bit of a mind of its own!

 Work finished about 3pm and tools were finally downed and collected up. Several passers by had commented on the path improvements, and indeed it did look so much better.Always good to know the fruits of our labours are appreciated! Both groups of volunteers are to return next week to complete the remaining section of the path. An enjoyable day was had by all.

Ros (K)

Meanwhile - during the morning at Kettlesing school  .......

In a joint project by members of Nidderdale Birdwatchers and Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers the older pupils of Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School were introduced to the art of making nest boxes.

A presentation prepared by Linda and Ros (E) kicked off the morning event designed to involve children in the decision making process of why boxes are needed, what makes a good box and which birds might use them. Four groups of pupils then made two boxes each showing a very skilled use of both hand and power tools.

After this the children worked outside with the aid of compasses and garden plans to decide where boxes should be sited. By this time the morning was almost over so Ros took the children back indoors for instructions on recording box usage whilst Jan, who had cut all the wood for the boxes in advance, Angus and Tony attached the boxes to trees. Everyone involved – pupils, teachers and volunteers, enjoyed the work.

Tony