While we are waiting for work to start on surfacing the path from Grosvenor Bridge onto the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, there’s plenty of activity involving Network Rail contractors in making repairs to the railway bridge over the pathway and in installing robust fencing alongside the line from this point to the footbridge crossing towards Cleveland Pools.
I also noticed an appeal for volunteers to help with the planting of a new hazel coppice in a paddock beside the newly-fenced railway line.
It’s all happening on Saturday, February 13th from 9 am. Coppicing is a traditional method of cutting certain tree species on a cycle, thereby obtaining the wood and allowing the stems to re-grown from the base. It apparently promotes bio-diversity and obtains a yield from the woodland without damaging the ecosystem.
Volunteers are needed to help plant 105 hazel saplings to provide a sustainable source of wood in the future. Teas, coffee and food will be provided!
For more information you are asked to contact Nat on 07749984408.
There’s more Network Rail work going on into Sydney Gardens with contractors mapping out a 3-D image of the Bath-stone wall cladding through this heritage area.
It will help engineers decide where repairs are needed and probably where to hang the pylons for when the high voltage power line finally gets put through this sensitive area.
Just an observation to finish this piece with. It was great that so many spring bulbs were planted in Sydney Gardens for early spring flowering, but a shame so many were embedded in the large grass lawn between the railway line and the Holburne Museum.
Free running dogs ( or children?) have broken off many of the emerging flowers.
Finally, work continues on a new outdoor seating area and pathways to the rear of the Holburne Museum where quite a deep excavation has been made.
The whole rear area has suffered from excessive wear and tear and drainage issues.
