Early Spring Update / 9 million trees!

Following the snow at the start of the year we can now celebrate the arrival of Spring although even the last weekend in February saw the sun come out and with it a rather large number of users.  Levels of walkers, cyclists and runners normally only seen in the height of summer weekends were out, clearly wanting to enjoy the first weekend of decent weather.

Whilst it is good to see people out enjoying walking and cycling around the local network, we must still proceed with caution and do anything we can to avoid further lockdowns.  As rangers we are not yet doing any group activity but can do a small amount of work individually.  Online, however, we are less restricted.

Vegetation & path work in Moira

A recent update on the Paths for Everyone project was of great interest last week with a notable attendance of very nearly 100 people on a zoom presentation and feedback session.  The presentation provided an update for the Midlands and East which covers a very wide geographical area, hence the large number of rangers on the call.  One of the great parts of being a volunteer for Sustrans is working with rangers from other areas to share advice.  We have several long standing connections with rangers in Derby, The Peak District, Birmingham, Lichfield, Leicester and beyond.

Surface issues near Oakthorpe

The part of our area that was mentioned on the presentation was the work in Burton Town Centre in line with improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.  There has been another consultation from Staffordshire County Council to discuss the proposals, although the deadline has now passed.

In other online news our friends at the National Forest Company took a novel approach to celebrate the planting of the 9 millionth tree in the National Forest.  This is a huge achievement in the 25 years since the start of the National Forest.  Due to current restrictions the event had to be done virtually and a rather famous cartoon character helped in this special occasion.  To read more, click here.

Tranquil Conkers Basin

The the improvement in the weather I took the chance over 2 weekends to look at 2 different parts of the local network.  The first was the well established section from Church Gresley to Measham for a signing and surface check whilst the second part was looking at new parts NCN63 that will link Swadlincote and Burton.

Luckily there were not many issues noted on the check of the existing areas although the previously reported surface between Donisthorpe and Measham still has some areas that have not fully bedded in.  The surface has improved significantly since it was first installed and much of the loose stone has been compacted through weathering and usage but there are still some areas worth further reporting.  Aside from that there are no significant issues and some areas had been subject to improvement.  The area around the Youth Hostel and Campsite has seen vegetation cut back and the surface cleared around the existing ponds.  Also the vegetation around Conkers Waterside and Approach to Albert Village Lake has been cut back too.

The change of season brings out not only humans but also an increase in the wildlife around the route and particularly the canal.  Moorhens and Coots were noticeably present along with the ducks.

Residential streets used too.

Multiple options but barriers.

The following weekend looked at the future of NCN63 and the important link towards Burton and around Newhall and Swadlincote.  The infrastructure for this is starting to take shape through the partially completed developments aside William Nadin Way.  Whilst still some way from being complete it is good to see some progress with much more to follow.  

With the Paths for Everyone mantra in mind, we are also checking for obstructions that might cause an issue to some users.  It was good to see that barriers that were far too close together previously have been respaced, however, their placement still needs to be scrutinised further.

Still much to do!

The links are not fully complete yet and the link between the 2 estates is currently a narrow footbridge unsuitable for riding over but there will be other links eventually.

Decent wide surface

Even at a state far from completion the developer has already put up cyclist dismount signs on one estate at a junction.  Whilst it is correct that cycling on pavements is not legal for most, putting up such signs before the infrastructure is complete tells me that cycling provision is an added extra rather than the natural focus.  No doubt there will be cars mounting the pavements to park at some point.  They know it's wrong but they don't put signs up telling drivers not to do things.

Aside from that pet of hate of mine, there looks to be plenty of optimism.  The good thing is that the estates look to have a couple of options for cycling and walking through which is good for links and variation too.  Also the surfaces are good.  Hopefully these will not only provide a through route for the National Cycle Network but also encourage people to cycle and walk to local employment areas and schools from this new community and existing local communities around the area.

We will keep readers updated on the progress as it is likely to change frequently.  Once these sections are complete we will keep an eye on progress of the route via the new golf course and through to Park Road in Newhall.  In the other direction we will also monitor work around the new development around the old council depot site.

Stay safe everyone.