Millennium Green riverside path, Pateley Bridge: 16-04-2013

Today’s task was a return visit to continue work along the path from Pateley Bridge to Millennium Bridge, originally begun in the middle of  January this year. Again it was a joint venture led by Catherine Smith- the NYCC area ranger, (with 2 stalwart NY countryside volunteers, Chris and Roger, in tow), plus Paul, our own “Main Man” and 11 of his “merry men”- and women!!

We had much to celebrate today: beautiful warm sunshine despite the blustery wind; Chris Seaman’s birthday, plus birthday cake (!); chocolate brownies (!) provided by Ranger Catherine as our treat for lunch time; and many of us finally took possession of our new and very smart uniforms, which Paul had collected from the Barn. These made us look like very official Nidderdale volunteers. Wow, all this and a day’s work in a very pretty riverside setting. What more could we want!

Ros K models the new uniform as
she struts along the catwalk.

We divided up into 2 groups - the larger group preparing the sides and surface of the path for the hardcore; the smaller group were to load hardcore into wheelbarrows and trundle each of these down to the prepared area. 

The A team gets busy with the shovels
and the barrows.

At first it was difficult to co-ordinate timings. Digging the trenches to insert the wooden planking which would contain the hardcore on the surface of the path was arduous, and took longer than merely filling barrows, although this required some muscle too. 

Skilled and dedicated operatives
hard at work on the path.

The barrow-loads of hardcore start to back
up along the path. The A team is winning!

 

Skilled and dedicated coffee drinkers hard at rest on the path. 
First facing one way and then the other, they followed the sun.

Finally things started to come together, and it was time for Chris, (how did HE get that job again?!), to drive the Wacking Plate machine over the newly raked hardcore surface to spread it and flatten it down (see below).

The wacky wacker wacks his way
along the newly laid hardcore.

Catherine soon had to go to get some more planking so we could make our way ever onwards towards Millennium Bridge. This was apparently a scary option in the wind as the planks blew about dangerously in the pick up truck, despite being tethered securely.

More panels arriving - no more
standing around waiting is allowed!

By 3.15pm we had made a considerable impact on improving the path. We packed up the tools feeling pleased and proud of our efforts, knowing that we are returning next week to complete the remaining section of the path.

Work so far....

Ros (K)