Out on the bike and exploring some byways I noticed on the OS maps.
2 of them were totally overgrown. Covered in nettles and brambles. I had to climb over the fence and use the adjacent field to make progress. What's rather annoying, they both had very new looking wooden signs, so some effort has been made.
I have reported it to Northumberland council. Although do not expect much response.
Anyone done similar and did you get any success?
It's a double-edged sword ime. Councils don't appear to know the meaning of the word 'trim', preferring instead to decimate. This can result in a loss of character and, worst case scenario, you have a motorway-wide trail to use.
Next time you visit, take a pair of shears with you?
Next time you visit, take a pair of shears with you?
How smug do you sound?
I don't have the 2 weeks it would take for 1 person to cut it back.
I have to report my local BWs every year, they get used loads and need strimming twice a year. The nice man at the Borough council once rang me back and said they only have funding to cut it once. Its marked as a 'doorstep walk' and part of it also used for kids going to 3 schools. It was cut very well in June, its now overgrown again but still passable and wont be cut again this year.
The warm winters don't kill back the nettles, brambles and bracken.
The councils reporting system changes most year, this year you have to have a registered account with the to report anything, the upmystreet etc sites dont operate for my council, but the used to.
The council (County this time I think) cut the roadside verges all the time, they are like bowling greens.
Years ago I did get involved with a local Council and they provided some training on how to use some implement whose name escapes me. Best thing would be to see if cycling is represented on your Local Access Forum and whether there's any opportunities for volunteers to help out. Or get in touch with your local Ramblers to see if they can offer guidance.
Am very much in favour of the 'giving something back' approach but appreciate that your local Council may just not have the resources/manpower to assist in helping to set something up.
How smug do you sound?
I've no idea, but it was intended as a sincere suggestion. How was I supposed to know how much work would be involved?
I thought maybe you could get a few other local riders / walkers involved who might want to use the paths also, maybe stick something on a local Facebook group, organise a spot of guerilla topiary like folk do sometimes with litter-picking. Could be good for the community, bikers and walkers working together rather than being at loggerheads all the time.
But whatever, crack on.
I spent a day volunteering for sustrans trimming back brambles etc. Was a good day, met some like minded folk and felt I did some good.
Maybe see if sustrans can rustle up q volunteer day?