Stony faced
We use stone to stabilise the restoration and prevent users straying off the managed route.
Stone that will be visible should be in its natural form and weathered, covered in lichen or moss to blend in with the surroundings.The best material is the stone and boulders won from the site or the surrounding area. If there isn't enough, stone can be collected elsewhere and flown onto site. When moving stone by hand, winch or wheelbarrows it is important to avoid damaging the ground any further.
Large boulders
These can stabilise and stop use of the path edges, and block use of alternative path lines and short cuts. Boulders should be large enough (200/600kg) to be dug partially into the ground, leaving most of it exposed to create an obstacle. They should look as natural as possible with weathered and lichen-covered surfaces exposed and turfed round the edges if possible. When used for stabilising slopes, the boulder should be dug in at least 25% and set on a firm base. Groups of boulders should create a natural look by avoiding uniformity of shape and setting.
Medium sized stones
These can form mounds to block alternative routes at path sides and corners and stabilise bankings and steep slopes. These stones are normally 25 to 75kg and can be used in the same way as boulders or to create volume in mounds before being covered with spoil and turf.
Small stones
We scatter these on seeded areas to protect them from wind and grazing and prevent trampling and use by walkers. Small hand-size stones can be scattered over a large area. Larger football-size stones can be used to fill small braids. This then leaves a clean path line for the walker to choose rather than the seeded areas. The same technique can be used on other seeded areas as long as care is taken to keep loose stones off any pitching by turfing the path edges.
