Hackfall Wood: 26-09-2017

Another Tuesday out with the NCVs.

After a challenging drive to work this week due to a major hold up on the M6....

... the NCVs gathered for yet another monthly, routine maintenance visit to Hackfall Wood, only to find that the beautiful view from the car park was noticeably absent. 

The season of autumn mists had definitely arrived. However - this didn't dampen spirits as everyone gathered up their tools and set off downhill for the day.

Two NCVs remained in the car park to re-build the stone wall at the entrance which had been damaged by a car.....

A wall in imminent danger of collapse.

if you spot a blue car missing some paint 
we can tell them where they can find it!

First the wall had to be dismantled and a good foundation laid.

Only then could it be gradually re-built.

And there you have it. One wall - not quite flat on top...

...but at least it isn't going to fall down any time soon.

Meanwhile, on the top path to Mowbray Castle, Osian and the students were busy too.

Steps were cleared and levelled 

to give more room for walkers... 

...a detour path was created....

 ...and yet another fallen down boundary marker...

...was ably restored to a vertical position.
Well done lads!

Way down, in the valley below, loppers and sickles were being used on offending vegetation.

 Take that and begone, you nasty bramble you.

I think we should prune off that branch there.

We don't want it taking out someone's eye do we?

Culverts had filled up with mud and fallen leaves. A job for the spade gang.

 That's it James - put your back into it.

These wooden gullies needed their ends clearing 

to ensure that water could run out of them.

A fine example of a cleared gully.

One other job was to re-set some stepping stones across a stream.

Two boys at play in the water.

All in all, it was a good day's work!

Ros E.