Part Three
Posted: 3 May 2020
If you've joined the tour at this point, you might want to use the "Previous" link above to see the start of the New Path. Alternatively, go the The Beginning of the tour.
After six years, in June 2019, we had the boardwalk constructed. This replaced the sections of redundant fence that had been placed at the start of what was then referred to as the "New Path". At the same time we had the bridge constructed across the dyke.
The purpose of the bridge was to enable us to be able to maintain better the dyke with the advantage to us was that it allowed us to create the best possible view over the dyke. The Trustees of the Poors Allotment allowed us to built it on the basis that it was a temporary structure that they could ask us to remove at any point.
We cleared a strip about two metres wide of vegetation opposite the boundary of our grounds and took down a number of trees which had low overhanging branches, leaving a number of others in place but trimming all low branches.
Swinging round you see how the remains have been cut into thicker logs just under a metre in length and stacked in piles, while the thinner material has been arranged separately.
We were told that the Trustees are encouraged not to clear the drains these days as current policy is to attempt to hold the water in the area as that minimises the flood risk further down stream, so all we did to the dyke itself was remove a couple of the larger fallen trees.
Returning from the bridge, we continue on the boardwalk. As always this is made to curve, retaining the policy of never allowing the view ahead to be greater than a few yards.
At the end of the boardwalk the path continues to snake around the trees, though there was one case where tree roots meant it was easier to lay the path edging so the tree was within the edges of the path.
Part of the winter maintenance done this year was to remove some of the lower branches of the trees on our side of the dyke. It is hoped that together with the clearance of the opposite bank this will let more light in and allow the path to grass over.
Eventually, we approach the north west corner of the site and the path begins to make its turn. In June 2016 we had our worst flooding so far on the site and this section of the path was under water. However, we hope that such an event will prove rare enough not to have regretted not having a further length of boardwalk added in this area. What we did do is raise the path with additional soil along this part of its length as the path edging was added.
By this point we begin to turn north east where we find the dyke forming the small triangular island in the corner of the grounds. We are not clear who cut the channel was dug that formed the island, but it is the one area of the grounds on which we have never stepped. On the path you can still see where the extra soil was placed as there is little growth on it.
This area had been some of the most difficult to cut through when the "New Path" was created. At the time we were only aware of one fern on the site, the one you see ahead on the right. But since the area was cleared and a little more light has been allowed in we are now aware of more younger plants that are growing to either side of the new path along its whole length.
On the left we can see the cut branches, some above head height that needed to be cut in order to create the New Path.
The path is now running east and is about to rejoin the main path. Much of the heavier growth around here is Crack Willow. Over the years the winter winds have taken their toll and there has been a certain amount of natural clearance that has allowed extra light into this area. It seems the foxgloves have begun to colonise the area.
Finally, we reach the end of the New Path and it rejoins the main path. It's not entirely evident in this picture, but much thought had to be given on where to make the join. There was a bank of spoil from the lake to dig through which needed to be used to raise the land over which we have just travelled. More by luck than measurement it seems the right balance was struck between having too much soil or not enough and no trees had to be felled to create the path.
We are now following the path eastwards, close to the northern boundary of our grounds. These are the last few yards before we come to the fence which marks the end of the private grounds of Ruston House. Beyond the fence is the land leased to the company that is controlled by the owners of the holiday cottages.
Ahead, you see the upturned dinghy used to help manage the weed and lilies that grow in the lake. Around it can be seen a number of stakes. These mark out the proposed site for a log cabin which we are considering having built as part of our development plans for the site, but got shelved when Diana was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy.
Finally, we reach the limit of the paths within the grounds. There's a small turning circle here, but the grass needed cutting when these photos were taken, so it's not seen to best effect.
From here, the next part of the tour takes on a return journey back along the main path.
