Helsby Hill - 6th October 2013

Four of us travelled down the M56 today for a rare workday at Helsby Hill, a dramatic sandstone escarpment near Frodsham. We would have been seven but for three overnight dropouts. Today was a joint workday with Chester NTV's 'Sunday' group and the ten of us including ranger Dave Morris spent the day cutting back regenerated growth (oak/birch) throughout woodland above the cliff edge and in the summit heathland. Herbicide was sprayed on the open cuts to ensure no regrowth.

View to Welsh border and Stanlow refinery

We were blessed with beautiful autumn weather all day and over elevenses of coffee and gingerbread and throughout lunch enjoyed the fantastic views from the worksite across to the Wirral and Liverpool. The vista from the hilltop itself was even better and in addition we could see Beeston and Peckforton Castles and the Welsh border hills.

Helsby Hill summit

Chester will be planning their January-June 2014 programme in the next few weeks and once we know their Sunday schedule we will arrange more joint workdays next year.