This week the NCVs were back to work at a new site on Nought Moor above Bewerley. They were helping Peter Lambert, the AONB's footpath officer, with path improvements for another heritage walking route as it crosses the heather tops.
There was such a good turn out this week that a small team was dispatched to set up the scythes and get busy on the verge at Glasshouses. The report from their group can be seen at the bottom of the blog.
There was such a good turn out this week that a small team was dispatched to set up the scythes and get busy on the verge at Glasshouses. The report from their group can be seen at the bottom of the blog.
Footpath work is usually a physically demanding job and this week was no different - as you can see below...
But which end is the pot of gold, or is there one at both ends?
A new bridge has been constructed over the stream
but the path on both sides crosses some very boggy ground.
The task was to place large paving stones across the boggy bits.
John set to work clearing the way
and paving stones were transported to where they were needed.
Some drainage work was required in places
to prevent the path being washed away.
to prevent the path being washed away.
Coffee time in front of the newly dug trench
to keep the water off the path
Planks were laid like a railway to enable “easy”
transport of the paving stones though the bog.
over the newly dug drainage ditch.
Multi-talented Sally then made
a lovely crazy paving section.
a lovely crazy paving section.
a dry route to the bridge.
Additionally....
For the fourth year running, the NCVs welcomed a new group of 5 Heritage Skills students to our tasks, along with Angela and Maggie, back with us again to support them. This year our very own Osian is taking on the role of Heritage Skills Student Supervisor to enable the students to gain the full benefits of their conservation work experience placement. After their induction session at the Barn in the morning, Chris, J-P, Kai, James and Connor joined the NCV team up at Nought Moor.
After a tricky half mile walk to the location through
thick heather. the lads got down to business...
...and made an excellent job of laying 7 flagstones
As for the scythers......
Last Thursday some of the volunteers attended a scything training course run, once again by the excellent tutor, Steve Tomlin. Here are a few pictures from the day.
The budding grim reapers first learned how to put their scythes together.
Then they had a bit of a practice on some nice easy grass.
Finally it was time to go out into the wide world and do some reaping
on the verge at Glasshouses.
So reap they did!
Ladies who scythe.
on the verge at Glasshouses.
On Tuesday - whilst the others were working up at Nought Moor, five scythers did some further reaping on the verge. They did amazingly well in just the one day as you can see below....
Gentlemen who rake.
Sharpeners who sharpen.
The verge is nigh on reaped.
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