We had a bit of a lie in today with a 10:30 start but on arriving early at 10 we were surprised to be met by four Merseyside volunteers who unfortunately thought it was a 10 o'clock start!
Not to worry, Ian came out to meet us early anyway and started to explain today's job. We were to be working in the woods next to the car park and as it has been at least ten years since they had laid the footpath it had lost its outline. They are now starting a major project to reinstate/redefine all their paths. So with loppers, spades and brushes plus Andy S's thrashers we set to work. Being rather optimistic we thought we could work through until an early lunch seeing as it was a later start. Wrong! It was such hard work and very warm that we caved and stopped for a brew.
Footpath before ...
... and after
Throughout the morning we were having to stop to let the many dog walkers past but by afternoon that had quietened down somewhat although the car park was very busy. We started to lose our path a few times but when Ian joined us just as we were ready to finish for the day he was amazed how much better it looked. It appears that the many years of people and dogs wanting to take the shortest route had caused the original path to be lost and overgrown with brambles etc.
Thanks to Ian for a tough but enjoyable workday, thanks to our friends from the Merseyside group who we worked alongside and thanks to my colleagues for their hard work. Also wishing Ian all the best for his forthcoming operation.
Christine
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