Sadly overdue for replacement
Peter, Malcolm and Paul set off in sunshine to replace a stile on Footpath 23 at Wheatlow Brooks. This stile, as can be seen from the photograph was very old and long overdue for replacement.
This stile was largely held in place by the ivy and the wire fences. It was easily removed but the job was challenging due to the position of the stile across a poor mis-aligned footbridge and at the top of a couple of steps.
Once it was removed and the fences pulled back out of the way, Peter created a temporary bridge across the ditch for safety reasons. It was then a matter of digging the seven holes for the new stile and steps. Unfortunately at that point rain, hail, snow and sleet descended on us and we had to put the job on hold. The remainder of the morning varied from warm sunshine to short sharp rain showers which meant the job took rather longer than normal.
A much safer access
The rain made the ground much slippier and mud built up on our boots. However, by 1.30 pm we had the stile in place, complete with dog gate and the fences all attached to the posts.
We would like to thank the owners of the adjacent Doll’s Cottage for all their kind assistance. They let us park our trailer on their drive, provided a steady flow of much welcomed coffee, shelter when it rained and also assisted with the cutting of timber utilising their power tools. Without their help the job would have been even harder.
The wire fencing all secured
We would also like to thank the passing walkers who offered encouragement and thanks for our efforts and also to the lady who was kind enough to take a picture of the team.
Unfortunately due to the time it took us to complete the job and clear up, we never made it to The Green Man on this occasion!
We will have to return soon to replace the bridge and the finger post that is rotten. These jobs have been added to our list of tasks for the coming summer. The list never gets shorter so any additional volunteers would be welcomed. It is rewarding and enjoyable (when it doesn’t rain).
The team, Paul, Peter and Malcolm
The daffodils somehow survived our large boots going back and forth!
The bridge is poor and not in line with the stile
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