Update and Work Parties

Many thanks to John and Ted who have cleared Route A (Hinton- Winterdyne) with the mower and this is now much easier to use. It does now need a work party to cut back the overhanging branches.

Chris has cleared some of the overhanging branches on Route F.

We are still waiting for the council to come back to us regarding a number of issues we have raised with them. We will keep chasing them.

We will arrange work parties in the next couple of weeks to clear the overhanging branches on Route A (Hinton – Winterdyne) and also to clear brambles and overhanging branches on Route M (Walters Lane – Hill Houses). Routes J and K (Back of the Mounts and across the common) would also benefit from some clearance work.

Please let John or Chris know if you do any bridleway clearance work as we can book the hours to show the council the work we are doing on their behalf!

Route F – Crammer Gutter

Steve, John and Chris have now improved the area around the stream crossing. An old drainage ditch has been opened up alongside the track on the common and a pipe laid under the track taking the water into the stream. The boggy part has been dug out and filled with stone and should be much safer when crossing the stream.

We made a start on improving some of the wet sections coming up the track from the stream but further work is needed so take care if using the path.

We hope to have a work party sometime next week (wk commencing 4th Sept) to take down some stone and improve the remaining wet sections. Some general clearance work of overhanging branches, bracken and gorse would be useful. We will notify you of date/time.

Many thanks to Steve and John for their hard work.

IMPORTANT – Route F (Crammer Gutter) – Improvement Work 1st – 2nd Sep 2023

We are planning to start improvement work on the route from Crammer Gutter onto the common by the brook. It may be difficult to pass with a horse whilst we are working here so please avoid and pass this message on to anyone that uses this route regularly.

Will try to give updates on the website when we are working.

Work/Update

Update on activities –

Meeting held with Chris and SWT reserves manager to discuss improvements to bridleway on Catherton Common coming down to the stream before gate to Crammer Gutter. SWT have no issue with us digging out a ditch to left of path going towards Crammer Gutter and putting in a cross drain and stone to improve the going. Main issue is that because this is SSI it will need approval from Natural England. SWT will contact Natural England to discuss. It is therefore unlikely we will be able to do anything in immediate future! Will probably need to chase.

Gates by Cattle Grids on Catherton Common. Gate clapper post by Abkats was lose and difficult to close. This has been repaired by Chris. Fence across cattle grid at Riddings Gate had been damaged and lose netting was making it difficult to use the gate. This has been repaired by Chris.

Hill Houses. Jo and Chris have cleared overhanging branches and brambles so should be easier to use.

Please let me know if you find any urgent issues that need to be looked at and also let me/John know if you do any work on any routes as we can log these with the council. Do feel free to use our Facebook/Whatsapp group to notify the group if you want to arrange a work party.

Crammer Gutter Bridleway – Improvements

John, Steve and Ted have done a great job on the Crammer Gutter bridleway. The main gatepost onto the Crammer Gutter field has been replaced and the gate rehung and now swings open nicely. A load of stone has been purchased and put under the gate and also the gate onto the common. Getting through the gates will be much easier. Many thanks.

Improvements to Route F – Crammer Gutter

Steve, John, Pete and Chris have re-hung the gate onto the common and put in a new post and fence so that it now opens away from the dangerous drop down into the stream. There is now plenty of space to walk through and turn a horse to shut the gate without having to go into the stream.

Hopefully you will find this a big improvement.

Care Needed At Stream Crossing

The heavy rain last Friday has washed away much of the stone crossing on the brook at Crammer Gutter between the SWT field and the common. It looks like it is  just passable by horse with care. This will require some attention to make it safe again.

Rode this route yesterday and it was OK as long as you are careful around the gate.