Work in Progress: 22nd December

posted by Martyn de Young on Sat, 24/12/2011 - 15:30

At Woody Bay the Santa Specials were in full swing and the operating staff and volunteers were working flat out to maximise the 'Christmas experience' for all the children visitors and their families this week.

The outdoor Thursday gang decided to re-locate to Chelfham again to continue the tree clearance from along the trackbed.

1. On the trackbed north of Chelfham Station two bonfires were expertly lit by Dave Drayson to burn off the cut down rhododendron and laurel trees that overhang the trackbed here.

2. Flames from the bonfire no.2 quickly burn the smaller branches cut down from above the trackbed.

3. Graham Bendell 'escapes' from the smoke near bonfire no.1.

4. Dave Bloomfield cuts up more branches for the bonfire.

5. Looking back towards Chelfham Station, John Villers and Dave Drayson work on bonfire no.2 gradually clearing the trackbed.

6. Nigel Thompson and Dave Drayson within the smoke between the two bonfires.

7. Later looking up the cleared trackbed to the bonfires.

8. Another view from the site of the original end of the down platform looking north along the trackbed.

As the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway seeks to extend, sections of the original route after 75 years are of course very much under nature. Fallen leaves trap seeds which become saplings then grow into trees. Clearing these, preserving the route, and preparing it for future extensions, are an obvious easy task for the volunteers.

The enthusiasm continues to grow amongst the L&B membership to clear accessible trackbed where possible. During 2010 & 2011 groups have worked on L&B Trust land at Cricket Field Lane, Parracombe and more recently at Rowley Cross. At Chelfham the ongoing clearance of trees overhanging the trackbed will help to dry out the formation and open up the views along the valley. Last winter the Exmoor Associates land at Snapper Halt and route towards Bridge 16 saw the trackbed cleared with many trees removed. Work is also possible at Wistlandpound (courtesy of South West Water) to continue to clear the trackbed in the cutting. Next year, 2012, should see more clearance work, all helping to promote the railway, allow for surveys and permit the future extensions.

On behalf of all the regular volunteers at Woody Bay and other locations we would like to wish all website visitors a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to your continuing interest and support in 2012.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson