Path Work
Many of our rights of way are natural unsurfaced paths through grass, maybe
between hedges. Unfortunately, this ‘intimacy’ with nature can become unwelcome
when vigorous growth of nettles, brambles and hedges - especially from May and
through the summer - can start to block the paths. Regular walking of the paths
identifies the potential problems and in itself helps keep them clear.
We can then take steps to keep paths clear; Ken Hawkins is also the Footpath
Warden for Dereham Town Council and he (and other volunteers) can regularly be
seen busily trying to clear routes as fast as the shrubbery can grow up.
If you spot a problem or can help with the work please get in touch with
Ken.
In addition, we also work to encourage action from those with responsibility to
keep paths open and welcoming. For example major improvements have been made
following our representations, such as work on
Footpath
1/1a, and
Footpath 14.
Here are just a few examples of path our efforts:
Report on progress with footpath 14.
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Strong winds have taken their toll with a number of medium sized trees falling,
this time we need the chainsaw.
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Clearing dumped rubbish and litter from
footpaths 11 and 14.
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With help again from the Norfolk branch of The Conservation Volunteers
RB30 is now safe to walk.
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The speed of summer growth is a
problem. This is especially true with some of the paths which have recently been
brought back into use as the nettles and brambles will have strong roots. As
long as we keep at it, over time this will become more easily manageable.
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Clearing nettles and litter from footpath 14.
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Help from volunteer groups is most welcome when we have a difficult problem. We
are grateful for the help from the Norfolk branch of The Conservation Volunteers
who cleared dozens of tree stumps from Restricted
Byway 28.
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Clearing brambles from Restricted Byways 30 and
31.
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Fallen branches being cleared to
increase headroom.
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Heavy duty mower clearing path edges.
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Repairing the board-walk between Stone
Rd and Scarning Fen.
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A chainsaw is sometimes welcome when
a path has been disused for sometime.
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