Footpath maintenance
near Leonard Stanley
Sunday 14th October 2001
On Sunday 14th October
the Group, led by Stuart, undertook work at Leonards Stanley,
near Stroud on behalf of the Gloucestershire Rights of Way department.
The unseasonally warm weather may have encouraged a good turn
out of eleven members. We were delighted to welcome three new
volunteers, one a keen rambler who had never done anything like
this before, one who had recently returned from university where
she had been involved with a conservation group and another who
enjoyed being out in the countryside. These are just some of the
reasons why people become involved with the Group and we very
much hope to see them again - with friends perhaps?
We split into three
groups and by lunchtime had cleared brambles, branches and nettles
from around 12 stiles and a footbridge. It was certainly an improvement
on what was described by a local person, as a very well used route
where people often experienced considerable difficulty.
The traditional lunchtime brew and (quality!)
biscuits provided free of charge by the Group was followed by
a review of the programme. Since no further work was identified,
it was suggested we go for a walk. Stuart and Andy led us up onto
the Cotswold Way, through Pen Wood and Middleyard to return to
'base camp' by 4.00 p.m. Gloucester Vale Conservation Volunteers
don't usually end their tasks in this way but it certainly made
a pleasant change and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
