The next Bennerley Viaduct Workday is next Friday the 12th of February. This time Sustrans’ ecologists will provide specialist training on scrub management and how to enhance the habitats on the site. They will also give training on how to lead a practical work party. See the attached course agenda for the day. This is a great opportunity to get some specialist training as well as to carry out practical management tasks.
Please let me know if you’ll be coming or not
The training will take place underneath the viaduct. Instructions as follows:
Arrival:
10a.m. meet in the car park of the Bridge Inn, Cotmanhay http://www.bridgeinncotmanhay.co.uk . The postcode is DE7 8RD.
If arriving after 10:15 please meet us where we will be working UNDERNEATH the Viaduct. Directions as follows: from the pub cross the bridge over the canal and walk south along the towpath for approximately 200m.Turn east on the public footpath through the woodland (I’ll put a Sustrans flag here so you know where to turn). After 60m you will reach a footbridge crossing the railway, cross this and follow the footpath for approx. another 100m to reach the underneath of the viaduct.
What you need to bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Appropriate clothing for the forecasted weather
- Appropriate clothing for carrying out scrub management work
- Packed lunch and drink
- A Hi Vis vest if you have one (can be supplied if required)
- Emergency contact information (you will be asked to supply this on the day)
- The reason for doing scrub management is to diversify the habitat underneath the viaduct as well as to provide clear areas around the pier bases of the viaduct to make it easier for inspections, repairs and maintenance.
Potential hazards you should be aware of:
- Rough ground covered in vegetation hiding potential trip hazards
- Thorny plants – make sure arms and legs are covered
- Debris on site including sharp materials
- The possibility of syringes and needles on site
- The tools we’ll be using for cutting vegetation are sharp!
- There is a river nearby the work area
- handling of potentially heavy and awkward items
We’ll bring appropriate tools for the jobs involved but if you have well maintained tools such as loppers, secateurs, pruning saws or bow saws that you prefer to use, please bring them. We’ll bring gloves and eye protection, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Depending on the weather we will aim to finish by 3pm
Contact on the day
Kieran Lee (Community Engagement & Development Officer, Bennerley Viaduct) – 07823 536941