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.