Old mines and allotments.

The glorious spring weather we have been having has seen a marked increase in numbers of visitors.  Regular visitors will notice the ongoing work to improve our car parks.  Many now have new display boards to give some information about the immediate area and the one at Rosthwaite has been marked to optimize the space and provide dedicated parking for drivers with disabilities. 

Jessie doing a temporary fence-post job!

Another ongoing task is to monitor the experimental water-treatment plant at Force Crag mine so John Malley (the Trust’s National Water Advisor) and I paid another visit to check progress there.  Like many disused mines, the water flowing from it is contaminated and we are trying to develop a process that will reduce the level of contaminants.

Later in the week, I was working at Watendlath and the vegetation and light conditions were just right to reveal some interesting features in the landscape.  Quite close to the hamlet there are some low ridges that measure about 2m wide and 15 or 16 m long.   I took a few photographs and will show them to a Trust archaeologist for his opinion.  It’s possible they were once vegetable patches (ancient allotments) associated with the hamlet.  Whatever they are, as part of the history of the valley, it is worth identifying them and recording their position. 

Are these ancient allotments?

I then spent a day with a Trust ranger Mark over at Buttermere discussing a number of developments there.  One recurring issue for popular footpaths is the dog poop problem.  If only dog owners would take a stick and clear poop off the path to where it can rot naturally, it would be much less offensive to others.  The best solution is to bag it and deposit it in bins that are provided.  The worst solution is to collect it in a plastic bag and then abandon the bag in the landscape where it will not rot.

Reiver inspecting the board-walk.