Dropshort Marsh boardwalk
I was made aware that the boardwalk at Dropshort Marsh had dropped a couple of weeks ago. Once reported to CBC their immediate response was that might need to close the path until they can find budget to be able to get a contractor to repair. I added some warning signs, as it was still walkable. However, Ian Cook, a volunteer from Flitwick and myself went to have a look and concluded we were able to repair it. As the cows have been grazing in there it is suspected that a cow had walked on the boardwalk and its weight had broken a previous repair. The cows are put in the site to keep the vegetation in check, but also to tramp down the ground.
The cross member of the previous repair had been drilled twice and near the top of the board, so under the weight of a cow had broken through. The posts into the ground and the previously replaced longitudinal beams were sound, so we used a deck board as a new cross member. Measuring and drilling the holes in the right place and refixed everything. There was another deck board that was loose so we refixed this as well.
Cowbridge sewage works
This path (TOD45) is up some steps and runs along the top of the embankment beside the Cowbridge sewage pumping station. It seems to have been missed by the CBC contractor, so we cut it.
Further along from Cowbridge is a dead-end path that ends at the Fancott Bridleway road. The Finger arm had disappeared, so replaced it and found the old one lurking in the long grass – it appeared the bracket had rusted and it had simply fallen off!
Lodge farm
We cut around the Lodge farm paths. No photos as have done many before!
Monmouth Way
The Monmouth Way has a great view towards Sharpenhoe Clappers and beyond. Some years ago Allan Portas placed a bench there. We cleared the vegetation from around the bench and the two adjacent hedge crossings.
Sundon
We cut the short length of path (SUN21) in June. It is part of the Icknield Way. The path had become very overgrown. We may have upset some “blackberries” but the walkers were pleased to be able to walk easier!
