Today 13 NCVs and a three strong Heritage skills student team met at the AONB offices car park in glorious weather to hear details of the tasks ahead. We welcomed a new but seasoned conservation volunteer, Julia, to the ranks.
Alistair feels the need to check that his foot is
still attached whilst listening to instructions.
James outlined the path maintenance work required for the footpath from Quarry lane to Scott Gate Ash Quarry which the NCVs have previously worked on. The NCVs split into two groups, one to litter pick and clear footpaths of weeds, overgrowing vegetation etc and the second group to tackle gully clearance and footpath maintenance.
Up at the path the NCVs sort out who does what.
This group decide to tackle the overhanging vegetation.
Armed with loppers they begin the task.
The drainage gully alongside the footpath had become overgrown and was dug out to allow run-off water to follow an appropriate path rather than the unwanted waterfall down the footpath. After the morning tea-break the jigsaw puzzle to rearrange footpath stones to improve stability started.
Gully? What gully?
Don't worry - I'll find it!
That's more like it!
Time for coffee folks.
This jigsaw - are you sure
there isn't a piece missing?
At lunchtime team one met up with team two at the head of the path to enjoy beautiful warm sunshine and great views of Nidderdale. We also welcomed Jan, the solitary devotee who had felt the urge to saw off fence post tops at the Toft Gate permissive path (see multiple previous blog entries).
A picnic spot in the sun, with a view. What's not to like?
Legs were bared to allow cooling of the shins.
Right - back to work on that jigsaw.
Things are looking decidedly better.
Having picked more litter, noted which footpath sign improvements were required and stabilised more footpath stones the NCVs wrapped up work around 2:30 pm and enjoyed the much easier downhill walk to the AONB offices.
Yes - it's time to go home!.
Osian
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