No step!
A glorious sunny Sunday but it got rather hot! The team of Paul, Mark, Neil, Peter and new recruit Keith drove up to Dayhills Farm where a stile next to a cattle grid had been unserviceable for some time. The problem was that the stile step was too close to the track and had been destroyed by the milk tanker. The stile also needed replacing.
The fencing in the area also needed improving.
Too close to the track
The old rotten stile was quickly removed along with some of the fencing so that we could work. We also cut back the nettles to avoid further stings! Digging holes was hot work and getting some in the wrong place did not help the situation!
However we eventually got the new stile and dog gate in place and some fencing rails installed beside the cattle grid. This allowed us to fix fencing across the stile so that sheep and lambs could not get through.
A refreshment break was then required before we could continue.
Team hard at work – well Keith anyway!
As we relaxed we were able to appreciate the lovely setting of the farm about a mile outside Milwich with glorious views of the surrounding countryside. What a lovely part of the world where we live and walk!
Once the stile was fenced, we were able to dig the holes for the steps. We also put in a step up from the track to make access easier. It was then a matter of finishing the rails and fencing and clearing up the site.
Mark, Keith, Peter and Neil
Despite a couple of blisters and some aching muscles, we felt we had significantly improved this small section of the footpath for the enjoyment of others. It took us till 1.30 pm but the rehydrating pints in The Green Man were very much appreciated.
Final touches to the job.
The job finished!
