The weather turned out to be much more clement than the
forecasts had predicted. So, under bright blue skies and a watery winter sun we
set about clearing the scrub, which was once again invading the edges of NCR 680
between Harrison Way in Darley Dale and the Rowsley sidings.
Ably directed by Groundwork's Marion Farrell, a small team
of Sustrans rangers helped other members of the volunteer group with more
lopping and pruning. It was also a chance for David and Catherine, Maldwyn,
David (S) and myself to meet our newest volunteer Peter Posner for whom this was
his first experience of a ranger work (half) day.
Although this is only a relatively short section of
national cycle route, ecologically it is a very important area for all sorts of
wildlife. There is enough work here to fill at least 2 of our monthly work days each
year (spring and autumn) but we may try to fit in an additional late summer
session and flow it into a bbq social afterwards. Marion is keen to use an industrial
mower to cut back the nettles and brambles which are now free of young
saplings, but she needs volunteers to rake away the cuttings, once they have dried out. We now have a date for Friday 4 September, so that's another date for the diaries.
With the more formal part of the work day completed, a
smaller group led by David and Catherine departed for a cycle ride through
Chatsworth and then over to Hassop cycle hire from where they rejoined NCR 680. I understand the wind was pretty strong up the hill through Chatsworth and so by the time they reached the Hassop cafe they were ready for refreshments. The circuit was completed by cycling along the trail to the Coombs Rd viaduct and then trying
the lane up past Coombs Farm and into Manners wood, before dropping down the (steep) hill, back into Rowsley. This lane has been made worse by logging vehicles a couple of years ago but, with care it is rideable. On a nice sunny day the route offers fabulous views over the Wye and Derwent vallies.
This section is due to be upgraded by Derbyshire CC shortly and will become a temporary
alternative link between Rowsley and Coombs Rd. I am due to meet with DCC in a
couple of weeks and will find out then just what the timescale is for the upgrade, and hence when we can plan for some signing of the temporary route (yellow stickers to the ready).
Next work day is due to be Monday 9 March and I am suggesting we plan an activity around NCR 547 and the route through Carsington. More details to follow but please put into your diary if you are free.
