It’s been a bit of a scramble to get us over the line, but we made it by a cat’s whisker to get the path ready for spring and summer.

Eight bench builders turned out in what was finally quite decently warm weather. No sun, but warm enough to not bother with a coat.

Andrew, Ram, Ian, Steve, Martin, Reece, Mark, and Paul geared up for the final push.

First was the staining of the remaining benches (the first two photos are before and after).

It makes them look so much more welcoming and cared for. We also did running repairs with the electric screwdriver.

One thing that really bugs me is seeing benches anywhere that are left to the elements and are really not very attractive to sit at and eat food.

We then split into three groups. Ian and Steve ventured northwards to deal with a tree that had decided to grow across the path.

No fun for anyone riding a bike and smashing their head against it. As much as we hate to cut trees down, some just have to go.

Mark, Andrew and Martin trekked southward to recover our friendship triangle bench set.

It was a fair old trek and gave me, Ram and Reece time to dig new holes and find a supply of water for the postcrete.

We tightened the screws on the benches and made sure that they were solid before breaking for coffee and ginger biscuits.

Where does the time go!! It seemed like no time from the start of our day, to us drinking coffee on our break.

We got the benches in and are pretty pleased with the end result.

A quick slap of wood stain brings them up to our standard.

The timber for these benches started off as fence posts. They had rotted at the base, so one of my lovely neighbours gave them to me to use on the trail. Dave and me cut the rotten bits off and made three benches out of them. Obviously, the first go didn’t end well, so this is the third time of the wood being used, and hopefully, the youth can gather, have conversations, drink a bit of beer, and learn to rub along without the need to smash things up.

Please don’t spoil it for everybody, youngsters…

We then moved on to our bridge and sorted out one of the retaining sides.

Nice and safe again. We need it to be wide enough for mobility scooters and pushchairs.

We had far too much water for the postcrete, so we added to what must be the lowest point on the whole trail.

We hope to see hippos and alligators taking up residence the next time we are down here.

The youth have made a downhill trail with jumps and stuff.

This is exactly what we want. We have always been open to everyone using the path, and it reminds me of when I used to play on it as a child, some forty-six odd years ago.

We have new tools…

Paid for via our Councillor Grant Fund (thanks to Cllr Dean Richards) and will make our job so much easier as we keep everything cut back.

Wildflowers Spotted

Fungi Spotted

And lastly, the obligatory litter-pick.

Dunchurch Bridleway

We are starting to dry out, but we are still working on the path around the flood, so that there is an alternative route for when it happens again.

Lots of stumps had to go, and hopefully a load of wildflowers will start to grow on the cleared ground.

Decent biscuits are always a treat on this bit of the path.

Until next time!

Paul