GWSR Lineside

W e ended  our days session with a team consisting of 8 persons working.  They brush cut a strip along then remaining fence line (about 120 metres long by 3 metres wide) between the bottom of the embankment and the adjoining meadow.  Whilst this was being done the next section of the embankment was cut back after the necessary checks were done for nesting birds.  All this was time consuming as each check lasted about half an hour Most of this area consisted of thick blackthorn mixed with brambles and all this had to be disposed of to leave the site tidy. Two fires were needed to get rid of the dross so the team was kept busy.  An additional task that was requested of the team was to move the piles of logs from their position so that our contractors could install new fencing during the coming week.  This late task required the team to divert from the clearance and served as a public relations task towards our neighbouring land holder who has been very tolera...

There were as stated a team of 8 today so we were able to split into two teams of four.  The one group continued with the clearance at Mrs. Townsends whilst the other loaded the vehicle with the heap of wood chippings for use of mulching the relatively new trees that had been planted along the line.  This was an arduous task and had to be loaded via a single wheel barrow at a time . Our thanks to Lawrence who was not only our driver for the day but also our single power tool operator so he was kept very busy by the rest of the team members who went about their tasks with great determination.  A fire was lit to burn the cut material that at times was cut by the use of hand saws.  We have left an amount of cut material on the ground ready for disposal next week so we plan to continue with that. Before work commenced the area was checked for nesting birds of which none were found but we did observe a robin and blackbird on the ground with several swans flyi...

There was a turnout of 6 today and after an initial inspection and observation for any nesting birds we cleared the next section of about 40 metres of embankment   We would have done more but owing to the fact that future access to the site could possibly be denied to the team  we conducted a quick tidy up so that the site was left tidy  The cut material was all burnt and most of the logs were transferred to the bridge so that they could be collected.  The team worked well in the time available  and even though several expressed their unavailability for next week they hoped that we could finish the job. Brummie Dave Final state, clear down past the crab apple on a fantastic spring day A few logs available just past the bridge

  I arrived on site at 8.55am followed by Lawrence  and Dick  and they moved a pile of logs  about 60 metres from our proposed area of work for the day .While they were doing this I did a check to see what birdlife was about . There was a solitary robin pecking about on the ground and a flight of geese overhead  but no signs of any nesting taking place so at approximately  9.30 after the rest of the team arrived we started work  in the designated area. There were 7 of us today and we partially  cleared the area South of the area we cleared last week.  Lawrence dismantled the hawthorn over the culvert while the rest of the team did more clearance a safe distance away.  A fire was lit to initially  burn what was left last week and this was continually added to during the day  The area  was thinned out  to make the bank easier to inspect   and some  material was left on the ground read for disposing of nex...

 Seven of us today on a lovely spring morning, working south of Toddington Signal Box. We have raked up and burnt all our arisings from the clearance of this stretch and so our job here is complete, well done all who have helped.  Three of the team went on the First Aid Course on Tuesday and there was plenty of discussion on the benefits of attending. We had a visit from Andrew Baker (Biodiversity) who outlined his vision for the Railway, based on species rich grassland.  This may take some digesting and persuasion to those who have grown up in the "wildlife corridor" era of lineside clearance, but I'm sure all will become clearer. Also putting in an appearance was the Bubble diesel unit, which went for a trip to Broadway and back, looking very smart. This "season" we have spent about 120 person days on our various tasks along the railway.  I will now take my annual sabbatical break until September, but will still be popping in now and again and keeping abreast ...

We had a visit today from Paul Fuller who brought along the diversity manager to introduce him to the team There have  been many fears  and concerns about how this would affect lineside.  My apologies as his name escapes  me but will this introduction affect us?  The answer is yes in a potentially positive way. He has a practical knowledge and experience of systems and environmental  issues through his employment in DEFRA and will be able to bring together the way we work on lineside.  There are grants available for tools, equipment and other issues which he would help the railway access.  He has already helped bring  a clarity to the bird nesting season and that will be added to as time progresses. We have the month of March to continue  the clearance of Mrs Townsends embankment, we need to basically document our observations of our visits to clarify what we have seen, but not deliberately disturb any nesting birds and this can start ne...

 Lineside Clearance Since the beginning of January the Saturday team has moved to their major winter clearance site – the embankment above Townsend Farm, Gretton. This area had not been cleared recently, if ever. The dense hawthorn saplings were hard work on the steep slope. After clearing around it, a mature oak made a splendid sight. Despite the difficult site, everyone has been really keen, with a record 12 volunteers one Saturday. The team made gradual progress from the bridge towards the farm buildings. Before going too far, they checked with the farm what level of cover should be left near the buildings. Some days the team cleared about 40 metres of the embankment, which may not sound much but was a tremendous achievement with such dense tree growth. After heavy rain the embankment became extremely slippery and unsafe, necessitating an early finish. But on the occasional glorious winter days the team just carried on till everyone was thoroughly exhausted. There was always qui...