PARWICH.ORG

Dear Parwich.org – please could you pop this note onto your great website!

I thought I would let you know that the National Park Ranger Service recently visited Parwich to clear new tree growth from footpath 1, the trackway that runs south of the village towards Sitterlow Farm.

Probably about 10 years ago now, my colleague, Neil Hanshaw, was involved in improving this path, by installing drainage and surfacing. Some of you probably remember wading down this lane in wellies, because it was more river than path at this time. Then about 4 years ago the Ranger Service returned to this path because it had become obstructed by overhanging trees and vegetation. Over the course of one winter we gradually removed the obstructing trees to let in light and room for people to pass unmolested by blackthorn and hawthorn. We probably spent about 60 person days working on this clearance job – it was a considerable task – but the odd baked potato in a fire helped to keep our spirits up. But it was with considerable depression that I received a report last summer that young hawthorn and blackthorn growth was gradually closing in on the path again.

So last week when snow threatened to cancel our pre-arranged work with our valiant band of conservation volunteers, we diverted ourselves to Parwich and snipped back all the new hawthorn and blackthorn growth before it became a mammoth task again. The path is now clear and we anticipate that this job will probably be a once in 5 yearly task if we are to keep the route open. We may even try to lay some of the hedge next time round.

I had intended to give you good warning of this work being carried out in case any Parwich people wanted to join us for a baked potato in exchange for a good day’s conservation work and lots of fun, but as I say I’m afraid that the significant snow event hastened the job. Perhaps if people would like to be involved in practical conservation tasks that we carry out in the area, they could send me their contact details and I will let them know when we are heading your way again.

Please contact me at  lynn.burrow@peakdistrict.gov.uk