Our last working session of the year and what a fantastic day. The sun shone, there was no wind and the views from the top of Beacon Bank were magnificent. We could not hope for a better November day.
In March we started working with five volunteers, today we had 10 people assisting and the total group now numbers 12 including our youngest recruit, Amber. Our first job of the day was back where we started in March, at Coton Mill. The sleeper bridge at the bottom of the steps had broken and, with so many people to help, this was quickly replaced.
It was then up to Beacon Bank to replace the stile. The old fencing was quickly stripped out and we started digging. Progress was slow, perhaps due to Phil’s hangover but also the large number of roots we encountered. While the core team worked on this job, some other jobs were also completed. A higher post was put in at the next stile and new waymarkers fitted. A prototype dog gate was also fitted alongside the stile we installed on the 9th October. Perhaps we should not mention Mark’s “go-anywhere” Audi getting stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hill.
Thanks must go to Alex at Beacon Bank Farm for the teas and coffees and Hayley for the biscuits, all were much appreciated! Eventually after a long period of digging (and 2 broken hammers) we finished the stile and a second dog gate and made a late retreat to the Green Man. All future stiles will be installed far away from trees and hedges!
We are applying for funds for several more dog gates and would like feedback on these prototypes.
