Sandbach Woodland and Wildlife Group (SWWG) intend to restore Footpath FP23 along the northern bank of the Trent and Mersey Canal for a length of approximately 140 metres from the road bridge on Crewe Road, Wheelock to the south eastern corner of the Zan Industrial Estate, where it joins FP40. See location plan below.
This section of footpath FP23 has been neglected for many years, having become dangerously narrow and slippery because of overgrown brambles, ivy, etc. It has eroded at several points and for much of the year is to all intents and purposes impassable to all but the most able walkers. Below is a photograph of FP 23 prior to commencement of work.
SWWG intend to install a footpath that is safe, level and stable. The footpath, once completed, will afford a connection from the population centres of Sandbach and Wheelock into the network of footpaths following Arclid Brook and leading to the Wheelock Rail Trail, successfully completed by Cheshire East Council several years ago.
The land occupied by the footpath belongs exclusively to two partiers: the Canal and River Trust for its first 30 metres and then by Richard Hovey, owner of Zan Industrial Estate. Both parties are keen for the work to proceed, in fact it is to be part funded by the Canal & River Trust.
I have been volunteering with SWWG and working on this footpath improvement project. There has been significant progress made already.
The fantastic news is that SWWG have agreed to accept my offer of help from the Geocaching community.
This session is exclusively for geocachers attending this CITO only. We will be clearing, levelling and widening a section of the existing path. Depending on numbers, we may have a delivery of stone to accept and move to make up the finished surface of a section of the path.
If you fancy attending this CITO to progress this project, all we would ask of you is:
1. Please only confirm your attendance if you can definitely make it. "Hoping to be there" doesn't really work for this.
2. We have a finite area to work in. If we get the cast of Ben Hur wanting to help, we may have to split numbers into an early and a later shift (or perhaps even two separate events?).
3. Please can you bring some tools with you for your use. Spades, shovels, rakes, pic axes and the like will all be needed. If you are able to transport a wheelbarrow with you then please do so. Use of a mattock has been particularly effective in levelling and widening the existing path, so please bring one if you have access to it.
4. Any children must be accompanied by their responsible adult at all times.
There will be a short H&S briefing at the start of the event (or each shift if we decide to split because of numbers) which you must attend and sign up to if you want to participate. Part of the risk assessment is the wearing of a lifejacket. These will be provided on the day but again if you have one, it would be appreciated if you can bring your own.
You don't need to be built like Geoff Capes to be involved in this CITO. All ages, fitness levels and abilities are welcome.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if something in this listing doesn't make sense or if you have any suggestions or good ideas to make the event a success.
WARNING!
ALTHOUGH IT'S OUR MEETING UP AND PRE CITO BRIEFING LOCATION, DO NOT PARK ON THE AREA BETWEEN THE CHESHIRE CHEESE PUB AND BARCHETTA RESTAURANT UNLESS YOU USE "TAP 2 PAY" TO PAY FOR YOUR PARKING (£2.50 FOR 3 HOURS, £5.00 PER DAY).
THIS IS PRIVATE LAND AND HAS MAGIC EYE CAMERAS. THESE WILL RECORD YOUR ENTRY/EXIT AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEND YOU AN EXPENSIVE PARKING CHARGE NOTICE IF YOU DON'T PAY FOR YOUR PARKING.