Autumn Route Check 2023 / National Forest Community Ranger role

Following the first frosts and in-car warnings of potential ice, it's time to consider an extra layer for sure.  Thankfully the weather was a little warmer this morning and although a tad drizzly I thought I'd do a check on our local section of National Cycle Network.

Very Autumnal Swainspark Wood

Checking for signage issues, obstructions and general surface check, I cycled from Castle Gresley up to Tunnel Woods, through Swainspark Wood, through to Spring Cottage, down the Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail through Moria and up as far as Donisthorpe before heading back down the Ashby Canal back past Moira Furnace, Conkers Waterside & Discovery before heading back past Albert Village Lake and up through Church Gresley.

Valuable work done next to the route.

This time of year is interesting due to the amount of leaves on the surface and also to judge how well the paths are holding out after wet weather.  There are parts of the route that are a bit muddy and may need some remedial work doing as has been done in the past.  That said there were no significant issues to note which was good as it wasn't the best weather to replace signs.

A Christmas feel to the Conka-choo tunnel!

It was nice to see a poster highlighting an award for groups associated with the Moira Nature reserve following some recent work to improve the ponds.  It was also nice to note a Christmas Fair at the Miners Welfare centre in Donisthorpe which looked well attended and Conkers looked busy given the time of year.

A-gate removed from Conkers link

The Autumnal feel at the start of the ride gave way to a more Christmas feeling on approach to Conkers where the Christmas activities are getting into full swing.  The Conka-choo in particular has been given a Christmas makeover.

Whilst the paths were relatively quiet there were still a fair few hardy souls out walking whilst the canal had a fair number of ducks, moorhens, coots and swans as normal.

One aspect I looked into was the status of the A-gate barrier removal in line with the Paths for Everyone project for access for all.  Whilst some places still have the barriers they are gradually being replaced which is good to see, and signage is being added with NCN 63 directions.

We'll need to have a run down to Measham soon to capture the other part of our section and hopefully get this done before the end of the year.

Meanwhile we have been asked to share that there is an opportunity being advertised within the National Forest Company for a community ranger.  The closing date to apply is 5th December.  For more information click on this link.  Please note the link will expire after the closing date.

Burton Station Street Cycle Lanes

 After a relatively quiet end to the summer, I was invited to an event to celebrate the opening of some new cycling infrastructure in Burton.  Having attracted attention in the local media, as mentioned in our blog Autumn update last year, the Station Street cycle lane project is now complete.  

At Cross Street junction with Regional director Clare

Station Street, rather unsurprisingly links Burton town centre with the railway station.  As a busy route into the town centre it has not always been the most popular route for cyclists and the signed National Cycle Network route has been signed via quieter side streets with links to the station from those streets.  Whilst supposed to be subject to a 30mph limit, like a lot of places, this is not always the case with speeding and overtaking being noted on several occasions despite being a built up area. 

Approach to Burton Station

The result of the scheme is a safe segregated cycle lane running in one direction on either side of the road with priority for cyclists given at junctions and clear marking at traffic signals.  The work has been completed to a high standard and it is very clear which part is for cycling as the pictures will show.  Most people should be able to use them as intended.  Hopefully it will encourage those who aren't as confident as experienced cyclists to cycle into town.

Clear marking at start of segregation.

The finished scheme has not been easy due to enforced design changes and the archeology beneath Station Street.  The initial design had points where it would have too narrow for buses to pass and although it could have been managed with a priority chicane it was appropriate for a redesign to ensure that the problem was resolved.  During construction and realignment of paths on the street, it was important to take care around several obstacles hidden beneath the surface.  As normal this includes services such as water, gas, fibre optic cables and particular to this location were old tram tracks from the Burton and Ashby Joint Tramway.

Clear marking at junctions

Given these obstructions, the end result has been well achieved and it was good to be able to celebrate the opening at a small publicity event set up by Staffordshire County Council (SCC).  I was invited along with Sustrans Regional Director Clare Maltby, SCC Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, David Williams and East Staffordshire Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration and development, Rob Hawkins.  Details of the press release on Staffordshire County Council website can be found via this link.

Brewery entrance junction.

During the event, Clare and I rode our bikes up and down a few times.  I was impressed by the space afforded to cyclists and the very visual signposting of the path.  The path runs all the way from the Guild Street junction to the station as a continuous segregated cycle lane in direction of the station.  From the station back into town, the first section from the station is on the main carriageway until the Mosley Street junction where the segregated cycle lane starts.

Due to the redesign there are a couple of nip-points, specifically around the pedestrian crossing near Grants Yard junction where the path is narrow.  Feedback has been given on this and hopefully a small tweak will be made soon.  The main other issue with the scheme is that it currently stands alone due to lack of other dedicated infrastructure in the area but hopefully will become part of a more integrated scheme for the town going forward and this may see NCN route 63 resigned in the future.  I've already started using the lanes on my daily commute to monitor usage despite it being a detour to use it.

Recently I drove to Burton Station to pick someone up and it was the first time I'd driven up the street since the changes.  The change to the road is a subtle narrowing but there has definitely been a change to the street scene which should encourage drivers to drive appropriately.

There has been a negative media rhetoric focusing on the disruption caused rather than the benefits of the scheme.  Even the report about the opening, which can be found here, has a headline focusing on potentially negative aspects despite carrying a relatively positive and well balanced story which explains that no local money from highways budget was spent on the scheme.

However, no point dwelling on those negatives when there are so many positives relating to the finished product.  I hope it is followed by further infrastructure soon.

Festival of Leisure Review

The last weekend in June traditionally sees the 2 day Festival of Leisure take place at Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley.  This is a very popular event to launch the Summer activities within South Derbyshire and proved very popular once again this year.

Along with sporting activities, displays and performances of a wide variety, the Festival features a lot of stalls and activities to take part in and a chance to raise awareness of the work done by many different organisations.  This year had a Japanese theme to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the twinning with Toyota city and these seemed to be well received.

It has also proved to be a very good way of raising awareness of our work and promoting cycling.  We have not run our own stall for a few years but have supported the information provided by the Visitor Information Centre.

This year we provided information made specifically for our display in the ViC earlier in the year and the new leaflets appeared to be very popular.  We hope they have been useful to those who picked them up.  We have updated the page with information on local cycling routes with images of these leaflets which are also available at the ViC in Swadlincote.

Opening of Cadley and Coronation Park & barrier work.

Several of our recent articles have focused on the fledgling cycle network developments around Swadlincote.  Happily, a few weeks ago the 2 new parks to the south of Swadlincote were officially opened, therefore providing more off road cycling facilities within the area.

Coronation Park Information board

 Hallfields Road path towards Coronation Park

Events took place at both parks with cycling related activities happening on the learn to ride and bmx track at Cadley Park (located between the golf centre and the Ruby Way estate).  On the other side of the golf centre in Coronation Park there were several stalls and other activities including tree planting of a new orchard which looked well attended and enjoyed.

Path from Golf Centre to Cadley Park

Both parks feature wide paths to be suitable for shared use and although relatively bare at the moment there are lots of baby trees planted which will grow over the next few years.  We are sure that both parks will become a focal point for several activities and hope to be able to join in to support.

New footbridge at entrance to Cadley Park

From a cycling point of view this now creates a route into Swadlincote from the A444 without having to double back from Cadley Hill Roundabout and use William Nadin Way.  After the Park Road turning for Newhall and just before the Gate Inn, by turning off from Hallfields Road, an number of off road paths now transverse Coronation Park towards the Golf Centre car park.  Through the car park the path continues to the right hand side of the driving range (thankfully well fenced) towards Cadley Park.  At Cadley Park you can either follow the path round towards the learn to ride & BMX facilities and then follow residential streets or branch off right over a new footbridge and towards the estate entrance.  This then links with further infrastructure between the housing and William Nadin Way towards the Cobblestone Drive estate.

View over Cadley Park with BMX track in front

At this point there is still the obstacle of a very narrow wooden bridge which is not easy to take a bike over, but not impossible.  From here you can either use the residential streets or take the off road section at the front of the estate parallel to William Nadin Way.  Either way converges near the allotments and onto Darklands Lane and onto the Toucan Crossing on Darklands Road.  Thereafter the route still needs to be better signed through the town centre area but the mile or so of off road cycling is certainly a more pleasant way to arrive in Swadlincote.

Cadley Park sign and map

Other Recent News

Meanwhile, in the Heart of the National Forest we have seen the removal of a few of the A-gate barriers.  Whilst these are important to deter motor vehicles, they also deter mobility scooters and make it difficult for those with child seats and tag-alongs.  The barriers are being replaced with more sensible posts as shown.  So far they have been replaced between Conkers Discovery and Albert Village Lake.  We'll keep an eye on any further changes.

Please keep an eye on signage at Albert Village Lake as there have been some recent closures due to an outbreak of avian flu.

Beat the Street Swadlincote - a review

Our last blog article very briefly mentioned Beat the Street.  Since then the game has been played out on the streets in and around Swadlincote by 6395 people, including myself.

A Beat box in Linton

Personally I have very much enjoyed taking part and have been able to contribute regularly as part of my daily cycling commute.

For those unfamiliar with the game, between  the launch at Sharpes Pottery on 15th March and 26th April there were 52 "beat boxes" placed at areas around the local area.  Players either used a registered card or a phone based app to swipe onto the beat boxes to gain points whilst walking or cycling around the area.  In order to gain points you needed to swipe at another beat box within an hour.

Beat boxes highlighted on map

Mainly aimed at children, several beat boxes were stationed near schools and people were encouraged to join teams such as schools, companies or running groups.  Initially I intended to play it every now and again and leave the game to the youngsters but then upon registering about a week after launch I noticed that quite a few adults and running groups already with significant scores so I thought I'd put in a bit of 2-wheeled competition!

The concept aimed to get people active by increasing the level of walking, cycling and wheeling and looks to have been a success with 50189 miles covered in total.  For me, I did a few bike rides other than my commute, which I did extend on most days to take a detour for a couple of beat boxes.  After nearly a couple of decades of cycling down the A444 to Burton, it was nice to have a bit of fun for a few weeks.

The game was livened up with certain events that doubled the points score from 10 to 20 on some beat boxes.  The opening of the Cadley Park and Coronation Park during the game also helped with some nice infrastructure between a couple of beat boxes.  Also there were award badges granted based on cumulative points scored and this also included a commuter award noted for beat boxes visited during morning and evening rush hours.  

Awards available

I'd have liked to have visited all 52 beat boxes but with other commitments and some poor weather I was unable to do so but still covered a good number.  Progress was charted nicely on the website / app with points updates, leaderboards and a full review of beatboxes visited along with a summary of how far between beat boxes you had travelled.  I was able to visit 3 beat boxes regularly on the way to work and 3 on the way back which helped with a steady points score.  

Whilst all beat boxes were easily accessible for those on foot and most were easily accessible by bike although I tended not to cross the busy A444 in the morning to get a few more points, preferring to pick them up on the way home.

Mileage Summary

In terms of non commute rides, within an hours cycling I could visit around 10 beat boxes.  Tending to start on those at Castleton Park (3) I'd then do a loop around Linton, perhaps Overseal and then back to Castle Gresley via Mountpleasant Road.  Such journeys probably more practical for more experienced cyclists rather than the very young.  I also did similar journeys to Rosliston, which was pretty much the southern boundary of the game.  As mentioned above the new infrastucture around the new parks allowed me to take a more scenic detour away from the A444 and the new route in past the golf centre and new estates had a run of beat boxes.

Points total

On my first trip out I was concerned as I noticed people getting in and out of cars to do it which was completely outside of the rules and spirit of the game.  There was an opportunity to report such transgressions if so needed by noting what time you'd visited a beat box.  Again, it didn't seem in the spirit of the game to do this, my first thought was that they were only cheating themselves but with the prizes up for grabs they were also cheating others.  It also meant people were making non-essential journeys into residential areas in cars.

Journey summary

Happily though, I only ever saw that on my first trip, perhaps when the game was new and people were building up points.  On the rest of it I've seen a great variety of people doing it from children on bikes, dog walkers and a notable number of senior citizens making more fun of their daily walks and it's nice to have something else to have in common and chat about with people.  It was nice to see quite a few parents and small children doing it together - certainly quality time together.  The spread of boxes around the area led to a good competition between local primary schools.  Areas such as Newhall, Woodville, Hartshorne and Midway also featured several boxes around local schools.

List of worthy winners - well done all.

I was happy with my score, finishing just outside the top 100 but happier that I'd had fun and been part of something that brought a smile to many and has clearly had a beneficial effect on those who participated.  The winners scores were very impressive and they obviously took the game very seriously.

A closing event was held on Eureka Park to celebrate the event and give prizes out to category winners.  Obviously a project of this magnitude will involve cost but hopefully the legacy that the game leaves in terms of increasing activity will have been worth that.  

Cycling Promotion in Swadlincote & Beat the Street coming soon.

As February turns to March we're looking forward to Spring.  The cold air around today reminds us that we're not quite there yet but hopefully the weather will improve soon and lead to an increase in people cycling and walking around the local area.

For those needing a bit of encouragement or knowledge about local cycling routes, we've collaborated with the new Visitor Information Centre (ViC) in Swadlincote to put together a pre-Spring display of cycling information relevant to the area.  The ViC already features plenty of leaflets related to cycling and walking but we have also brought some literature relating to the work that Sustrans does and brought some leaflets from neighbouring counties that were always well received on stalls done in the past.

In addition to this we've also created some new literature and displays showing the highlights of the local area for cycling and walking and also informing of new developments.

We've been given space in the ViC throughout March and have created some window displays to highlight the increase in cycling related information.  This has been enhanced by some cycling related display boards from the lovely people at The Magic Attic which is a local history archive based at Sharpe's Pottery and who regularly display evocative images of the history of the area throughout the town.  More information can be found on the website by 

clicking here..  

The cycling displays provided focus on the history of the Swadlincote Wheelers cycling club and also George Newberry who won an Olympic medal in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki as captain of the 4000m pursuit team.  This was achieved at the age of 35 and followed service in World War 2.

We hope that the information provided is useful and does manage to encourage people to cycle.  Another event to encourage active lifestyles in the local area is the forthcoming Beat the Street game which will run in the area for just over a month.  The idea is to use a card to check in at various locations throughout the area but it must be done on foot or on bike.  There will be points given based on the check ins and it can be played as part of a team.  Realising that the description given probably doesn't properly explain, I advise you to check out the website by clicking this link.

The game, commissioned by South Derbyshire District Council working alongside several partners, officially starts at a launch event on March 15th and will be played through to April 26th.

It's nearly Spring! First route check of 2023.

 As much as the Winter seems to drag on, I can't believe that this latest post follows an Autumn post.  The first route check on local parts of the National Cycle Network (NCN) of 2023 took place on a chilly but sunny February day with plenty of signs that Spring is around the corner.

I'd also taken a recent tentative look around the developing route on the Burton side of Swadlincote including a look at progress on the Urban Park.  Whilst there is not much to report further to recent posts, it was good to see that the BMX part of the urban park was nearing completion.  With infrastructure visually well in place the park looks to be well advanced but the fencing still remains.  An opening date is still to be confirmed but will hopefully be done by Easter - updates will be given when known,

So with limited scope for traversing the new sections, a route check on the more established sections was required.  I thought I'd share the experience of a route check in a bit of detail.

Construction of Gresley Meadow development

Starting in Church Gresley with an initial trip up the unforgiving Cappy Hill the route was followed down Thorpe Downs Road out onto the Conkers Circuit and following NCN63 through Gresley Woods towards Swainspark Wood.  As well as checking signage and surface, we also check the surroundings.  Currently a new development called Gresley Meadow is under construction along the back of the Thorpe Downs estate.  The current status of works and movement of earth around the site certainly brings an ironic meaning to the Meadow name.

One of the other issues in the area is the signage of the junction back towards Church Gresley from the circuit.  In February it is visible but due to their set back location, the signs are often obscured when the foliage is green and vibrant again.  Something to keep monitoring with partners around the route.

Onwards through the picturesque Swainspark Wood with it's leaf filled floor.  A slight issue noted with a fallen tree that doesn't present immediate danger but worthy of reporting to Forestry England.  By this point, I'm observing that this dry and sunny day has certainly attracted a fair few people, dogs and horses out for the day, which is nice to see.  

Rural section alongside Gresley Woods

From the cover of the woods, across the road and down the ramp to run alongside the railway line up to Spring Cottage, a little bumpy with tree routes in one spot but nothing too severe.  I negotiate the A-frame barrier at Spring Cottage on it's uphill section before crossing towards Moira Junction.  Hopefully the barriers will be removed soon to allow for the Paths for Everyone philosophy to be enjoyed.  They were all captured on the recent barrier audits for Sustrans.

The section between Spring Cottage and the National Forest Youth Hostel is in good shape - the work done around the Moira Junction nature reserve has really improved the path surroundings.  Again, the railway embankment section is holding up well partly due to work done in the past by probation teams and volunteer work days as well as work done by the local ranger for Leicestershire County Council to reduce overhanging vegetation.

Information board about Donisthorpe Woodland Park

Soon I'm in Donisthorpe Woodland Park.  At this point I'm checking signage behind me as I'll be coming back down the alternative canal route.  First uphill section for a while is from the bridge and s-bend in the middle of the park.  Starting to warm up and a lengthy intake of water.  No major issues and still plenty of people to say good morning to.

Ashby Wolds Heritage Trail near Donisthorpe

At the end of the park I cross the road in Donisthorpe near the church and take the section towards Oakthorpe and Measham.  This section was resurfaced a few years ago with large stones which have taken their time to bed.  My hybrid bike with semi slick tyres is a good test of the surface.  I'm happy with the surface now - it's certainly an improvement on the quagmire it once was and an improved now that the stone surface has bedded in finally.  Passing to the rear of the camping shop on the outskirts of Measham, I muse that it won't be too long before the tents are on display but not today.  The camping shop heralds the end of this uninterrupted section as a large obstacle appears in the near distance.

The A42 was built in the early 1990s before the development of the cycle routes and no provision was made for continuation of the route under the road.  Like the Cloud Trail a few miles further down the A42, a diversion onto paths is required.  Fortunately when the A50 was built, the cycling infrastructure was considered and continues under the road uninterrupted.

On NCN63 there is another half mile stretch of railway section into Measham.  The first part of this has been resurfaced to a good standard and is nice and wide.  The rest is narrower but still decent surface.  The old railway line would have crossed the road in Measham via a bridge to the old station but as the bridge is no longer there the off road section of the route ends.  I follow the route up Measham High Street to the junction with Bosworth Road where NCN 63 continues on quiet country roads towards Newton Burgoland and beyond.  I check the signage and all is good. The route is part of another ranger's section from this point, but I could check it too.  On this occasion I'm keen to check out Hicks Lodge so return back towards Donisthorpe.

"New" section of Ashby Canal in Donisthorpe

I notice nothing major on the way back except for a sign is missing a directional arrow in Measham, so resolve that issue and continue back to Donisthorpe Woodland Park.  This time I take a right turn and head for the new section of canal via the Miners Welfare Centre (or Jungle Madness as most young parents would know it).  Contemplate having a cuppa here but decide to keep going for a bit.

The section along the canal is always pleasant.  It was built in the early 2000s as part of a second section from Conkers where it terminates.  The eventual aim is to link with the more established sections of the Ashby Canal linked to the rest of the canal network.  Currently this terminates between Snarestone and Measham.  I notice plenty of ducks and coots around and also several anglers.  I approach Moira Furnace and lime kilns and get some pictures to capture the reflection of the furnace bridge in the canal.  I bypass the furnace towards the café but then decide to keep going towards Hicks Lodge, over the little swing bridge and out towards Measham Road.

Approaching the unmistakable Moira Furnace 

We have been looking at signing links between Hicks Lodge and Moira Furnace but there is already decent signage in place for users by Leicetershire County Council so no need to oversign.  We're also not keen on the lack of definitive crossing across Measham Road.  A speed check sign has been put in which hopefully ensure the traffic passes at 30mph or lower which is an improvement. I cross without problem and join the shared path on the other side.

1st section of link to Hicks Lodge

1 of several Zog trail boards

The path up to Hicks Lodge is in 2 distinct sections; the first being through a relatively new housing estate.  Now the estate is finished the road has been fully surfaced and raised in parts to meet the kerbs that previously created a hazard. At the top of the estate the path changes direction and goes through an A-gate.  Although not part of the NCN it is worth noting any issues in case of potential expansion of the NCN. Although nothing is currently planned, it is worth noting that a route through Hicks Lodge would provide a route to the outskirts of ever expanding Ashby-de-la-Zouch - a sizeable town not currently on the NCN.

Hicks Lodge cycle centre and café

From the A-gate on Newfields Road the off road link to Hicks Lodge is curvy and undulating which makes it a bit more interesting than most off road links.  It creates a junction with the circular path on the southern side of Hicks Lodge which features the cycling centre and café, lake and car park.

Hicks Lodge bird hide and heritage board

Taking the short anti-clockwise leg to the main building, it is immediately clear that it is busy.  Undeterred, I park up and queue for a tea and rather nice Oreo Brownie.  Whilst enjoying both I notice that the Forestry trail now features the character of Zog.  This is the latest of a series of trails inspired by the books of Julia Donaldson - the first being the Gruffalo a few years ago.

Conkers Waterside & canal basin

Once refreshed I opt to head back towards Moira and the NCN rather than cross the road and take one of the trail routes - mainly due to having fully laden panniers.  I take the long route around the lake before heading back to the furnace.  From there I take the canal side path back towards Conkers Waterside and take a ride over the Marquis Bridge towards the Sarah's Wood side away from the carpark.

From here I continue under the railway bridge alongside the Conka-choo track towards Conkers Discovery side.  The Conka-choo is a little train that links the 2 Conkers sites but is not yet ready for the busy summer season although it does look busy for early February.  The path runs alongside the carpark then up the drive towards Rawdon Road.  Near the top I notice that there is some quite significant tree trunk distortion on the path so make a note to feed this information back to partner organisations.

My route check continues towards Albert Village lake.  At the bottom of the run down from the road the signage looks good.  I opt to go clockwise towards the far side of the lake rather than along the main route along the main shore.  I check out the heritage interpretation board celebrating the local pottery industry before heading back towards Swainspark wood via the red section of the Conkers Circuit.

Information board near the memorial

The Diana Princess of Wales memorial

The reason I took the shortcut back is because I'd checked the section between Albert Village lake and Thorpe Downs Road recently and I thought I'd have a ride to the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial section which is a little off the beaten track.  The memorial is as peaceful as ever with just a couple of dog walkers opting to walk this way.  In the distance is the unmistakable shape of the kilns of the former TG Green pottery.

Back onto the link back to the main NCN route I follow my tracks back to Swainspark wood but take a right turn back towards Tunnel woods and the link back down to Castle Gresley and the end of the route check.