Another rotten stile
A beautifully warm Spring day saw Richard, Peter, Paul and Jeff at the top of Potmans Lane replacing a stile that had seen better days. This stile was the opposite side of a ditch which had been cleaned out during the winter. After recent rain the ground was waterlogged so it was decided to install a bridge across the ditch. This will make access for walkers much easier but also provided a platform for us to work from.
The old stile came out in seconds, it was completely rotten at ground level. The bridge was soon installed which meant we could start to dig holes for the new stile.
Jeff and Richard securing the new stile under Peter’s supervision
While Richard and Jeff got digging, Peter and Paul secured the bridge and made up a new stile, complete with dog gate. The ground was soft and the holes quickly dug, however, they filled with water just as quickly. Once the new stile was dropped into place it was difficult to consolidate the ground because of the water so several extra pieces of wood were hammered in to hold it in place (soaking Paul in the process!!). We then secured the stile to the bridge for extra strength.
Time for a coffee break and to enjoy the views across Cannock Chase. Curlews and Lapwings regularly nest in the fields opposite but there was no sign of any today.
Two more holes were dug to support the stile steps on the field side whilst timber was cut to length to support the steps on the bridge. Once again, the very wet holes were soon dug and the steps were nailed in to place. A post was hammered in and a handrail fitted for safety. This was the 35th Stile replacement that the team have completed in Milwich and Fradswell since the group was formed five years ago.
All that remained was to finish the dog gate and attach the signage and we had a completed job. After packing up the tools and waste material it was off to The Green Man for much needed refreshment.
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