January 2012 update
by Nic Fish
2012 began with a host of new challenges for the Central and Eastern lakes footpath rangers.
Early January saw the team finishing of a project that they had begun at Aira Force last year. Despite some terrible weather the small wall and risers where completed and are bedding in well to the surrounding environment.
Photo: Work at Aira Force
After finishing at Aira Force we moved on to one of the furthest points in the Central and East lakes property Wetherall Woods, which is situated a few miles south of Carlisle. The woods are a small but important site that run along the river Eden for a couple of miles, there are three fantastically preserved hermit caves that are believed to have been used as far back as Roman times (well worth a visit, if not for the caves, for the fantastic newly installed path).
The path that runs alongside the river and begun to get washed away, with heavy rainfall and erosion from walkers.
Photo: Before work started Wetherall Woods
There were two possible solution, to move the footpath away from the river bank and further into the woods, or stabilise the river bank. The latter was decided to be the best option as the great draw of this walk was being able to walk along the river.
Many places had become so eroded that it was impossible to get along the path. It was decided that post and rails would be used to build up the worst parts, then once the path was high enough old logs where used as a more natural finish to the top of the path.
Photo: During work in Wetherall woods
Towards the end of the month, our attentions turned to Allan Bank, a house in Grasmere that was once owned by William Wordsworth. The house was bequeathed to the National Trust a number of years ago and has been tenanted since. Last year the tenant moved out and it was decided that the house and gardens would be open to the public in spring 2012. The gardens are a fantastic example of a private Victorian residents, with a small walled garden with fountain and many small but spectacular circuits around the rugged terrain that rises up from the beautiful lawn area. At some of the viewpoints dotted around it is believed that Wordsworth wrote some of his best poetry.
With all these features the garden has fantastic potential, however it has been neglected for many many years and everything has become overgrown and dangerous. A massive operation is underway to restore it back to its former glory.
The footpath rangers have begun a small part of this by re-building one of the ornamental walls.
Photos: Working at Allen Bank
There are plenty more jobs ahead that need completing, fingers crossed we can get them all done before the grand opening on the 31 March 2012. Hopefully we will see some of you there.
