The idea
For many years Winter floods from Arclid Brook have damaged the Wheelock section of footpaths along Sandbach Wildlife Corridor. Volunteers from SWWG wish to repair damage and maintain access for the public all year round. Phase II will improve a 220m path at the Wheelock section where access to the public footpath (FP23) is at serious risk of being lost to flood damage and further erosion.
Funds raised will pay for the timber and stone used to stabilise eroded and unstable sections. Where Arclid Brook now meets the path edge the bank must be reinforced and sections of persistently muddy path can be raised using stone so allowing drainage after floods and reducing interruption to public wishing to use the footpath.
What we'll deliver
- 66 meters of raised flood resilient footpath
- 65 meters of regraded path for safer accessible use
Why it's a great idea
New and existing users will find the path more accessible for more months of the year as the improved route will be less treacherous when wet. Both individuals, families and groups of walkers will include this section of public footpath to their regular leisure routes taking them away from the alternative Crewe Road public highway.
A better defined path will allow surrounding damaged vegetation to re-establish so benefitting nature and the public experience of this local wildlife corridor.
SWWG volunteers enjoy their path restoration projects, they will also continue to monitor and manage the area, looking to protect the wildlife and develop the access to it, for our future generations.
Steps to get it done
- Site ground and bridge survey
- Design flood resistant path construction
- Working party training and induction
- Purchase and delivery of materials to site
- Working party on site with machinery and hand tools
- Repeat deliveries and working parties to progress path restoration
- Program of maintenance and wildlife enhancements
Volunteer update: We’ve received a positive input from the local geocaching community on the first phase of this project. One of our volunteers published a CITO (Cache In Trash Out) geocaching event to progress work on a section of FP23 and is very keen to engage with us to assist SWWG with future local footpath improvement work.
