Running repairs.

Regular walkers on the most popular of the Lake District fells have probably come across sites that are showing signs of erosion. Often this begins with heavy trampling and destruction of the vegetation that is holding soil in place. Once exposed the soil is vulnerable to being washed away by the heavy rains we can have. The soil finds its way into streams, rivers and lakes. So we then have damaged slopes and silted water courses and lakes, neither of which we want.

Last week I was working on two such sites. One of these on the slopes above Braithwaite has been managed for some years now. Where path erosion is a concern, we have created a parallel stretch of path with a simple gating system. The gate is just an oak beam that can be swung across to close either of the paths. After a few years, when the path in use begins to show too much wear and tear, we swing the barrier across to close it and walkers then have a regenerated stretch to use running quite close beside it. The barrier is quite low in height to minimise its visual impact but it encourages walkers to avoid using the damaged stretch that needs some time to recover. The damaged area will be seeded and allowed to recover and then we’ll repeat the process as necessary. This is a system that we are finding is working very well.

                 

Not too far from this, a new path is developing that goes straight down the hillside on a bracken-covered, steep slope of approximately 45 degrees. It’s likely to be used by just a few people, possibly fell runners, but the steepness of the slope means that it is particularly vulnerable to erosion. If the bracken is trampled, water will use the channel to run off the slope taking with it soil and maybe even causing land-slips.

              

The problem can be avoided if we can persuade people to use the existing footpath that has a hard-wearing surface. So I’ve put a simple post and rail fence at the top of the problem path and a sign at the bottom explaining why we want people to use the established path. I think that many people just don’t realise how much damage can be done by the huge numbers who now visit the Lake District.

I will be monitoring the situation in future and, if necessary, will have to install more fencing and signs. I really don’t want to do that because it spoils the landscape that people love.

Daisy here: I’ve been running up and down really steep hills with Roy.  It’s great.