This week began early for 4 NCVs who attended a 'Roadside Species Identification' training session on Monday morning at the Pateley Bridge Council Chambers with Kelly Harmer, a Nidderdale AONB development officer, and Tara Challoner from the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership. We heard about the NAONB verge survey that was carried out in 2012/13, the report for which can be read via:
We then drove to Galphay to look at two of the 34 sections of Nidderdale roadside verges that have been identified as being of special interest and had a look at the many wild flower species that were growing there. We also learned how to survey the sites, a job that is to be continued each year in order to help maintain their biodiversity. I am looking forward to getting started on this project and have already ordered a new wild flower identification guide!!
Ground ivy and Coltsfoot (the leaves of which appear after the flowers)
Ros E.
Tuesday 28th April: Fishpond Wood
Today’s task was to make a start on creating a path from the
dam to the Ice House at Fishpond Wood, which would be suitable for all. 17 NCVs
including the Heritage skills lads met at the barn to gather tools and lots of
barrows on a day of very mixed weather.
One minute we were bathed in sunshine, the next we were scurrying for
our hats and waterproofs as deluge of hail, or was it snow (snail?) descended
from above.
"NCVs - PRESENT BARROWS. On my signal you will move
forward, maintaining the integrity of the barrow line at all times."
On reaching the car park at Fishpond we were greeted by a huge pile of gravel. Not to be daunted we readily organised ourselves into teams. Team 1 filled the barrows.
The start of a barrow's journey.
Will and Osian got the spades loaded up
whilst they waited for each barrow to arrive.
Team 2 headed up to The Ice House where they created a temporary path edge and awaited delivery of gravel to spread and tamp into place. Team 3 in the meantime had positioned themselves along the 500 metre track to relay the gravel to Team 2. Not only gravel was relayed to and fro. Messages also made their way along the line “Don’t fill the barrows, it’s too heavy.” Bring ammunition, we’re going to advance”. “Coffee time!” “Will’s having another coffee!” “Lunch time!”
Dave started the trip off....
....and passed the barrow on to Alistair....
...then to Laura and then to Graham.
On the relay went - to Ros E, Dave L., Julia,
Anita, Ros K. and Angela.
Up the hill towards journey's end where
Ed did the final tipping duty...
...and then joined in with the tamping down.
This week Graham and Dave demonstrate the
"Do-si-do" technique we used for passing on the barrow -
an acceptable alternative to last week's Olympic ruling.
(If you can't get the video to work then see below.)
Andi helped to create an edge to the path,
utilising pieces of rhododendron.
Empty barrows sometimes built up
and had to go back in pairs.
Coffee time at the lakeside...
...allowed for a meeting of minds and barrows.
Lunch was a musical bonanza with tunes from Peter and the Wolf, Teddy Bears' Picnic and I’m a Blue Toothbrush along with sounds of the song thrush. And then there was THE cake - yum! (Thanks Osian).
Ros E braves the hailstorm at lunchtime...
...then the sun came out and all was lovely again.
Path creation began at the ice house....
....and gradually the M6 extension appeared
(or is it the yellow brick road?)
As the gravelled part of the path elongated and the relay team shortened, 3NCVs headed back to the barn to make some necessary repairs to the pizza oven – a few cracks had appeared. Mixing the clay and sand proved quite messy but fun. Let’s hope it has done the trick.
Three fair maids figured out the best way
to mix the clay for the bread oven.
The bread oven's badly cracked dome was carefully
made whole again thanks to Ros K's healing hands..
made whole again thanks to Ros K's healing hands..
Another good day!
Anita
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