Central Team
view archive
July 2010- A change of site…
By Sam Stalker, Sponsored by Heart of the Lakes Cottages
Since our last update the team has been busy trying to complete the work on the North side of Stake Pass, reinstating and repairing the ancient route from Great Langdale to Langstrath, so that we can move on to a new project at Hell Gill.
To help move the Stake Pass project along we have been working in collaboration with the North Lakes footpath team and groups of volunteers. The Northumberland boundaries group came to work alongside the teams and share path skills. Volunteer help is a valuable asset to the Fix the Fells project and this group was a great example of how extra help can enable work to progress more quickly.
Above: Northumberland Boundaries Group Helping Southern and Northern lakes footpath teams
Above: The Northumberland Boundaries Group (North) Rothbury team
The Stake Pass project has involved much stripping off and relaying of turf, to enable re-landscaping of the hill, repair of erosion, creation of drainage channels, as well as the building of the sub-soil path. By removing the turf before the ground is re-profiled and the new path created, it allows the area around the path to be swiftly returned to an attractive and inconspicuous state. In the picture below the teams can be seen during the process of turf re-laying, working successfully together to lay a path surface and cover the landscaped soil.
Above: A well oiled turf laying machine in operation!
Once the path is finished the re-layed turf allows the path to blend subtly into the landscape.
Above: A satisfying view - the finished result of successful re-landscaping and path construction on Stake Pass.
The work on Stake Pass was brought to a suitable finishing point and we were able to move on to Hell Gill. A large landslide which has removed the path surface entirely is currently a major obstacle to the Hell Gill path. We are working on the construction of a retaining wall to prevent further slips and also to carry the path. Other members of the team have been landscaping out erosion at various points along the path and all in all the job is moving along nicely!
Above: Landslide across the path in Hell Gill
Above: Sam digging foundations for the retaining wall, its hard ground!
To find out more about the work carried out by Sam and his team, visit the team diary archive.
