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Large trees, such as this one, can become unstable in steep
embankments and need to be felled. |
It's important that no tree debris is allowed to fall into the nearby
River Dart and both pictures show the care taken to prevent that. |
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It's a difficult and sometimes treacherous job on the steep embankment
towards the river as the tree is cut into manageable pieces. |
Nearly there as the last few branches are cut through, the ropes
stop the branches being lost to the river. |
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The large logs will be collected by the annual 'Clear Up Train'
in a few weeks time. |
Meanwhile the other half of the gang were clearing out the drainage ditches
which over the years become clogged with leaves and silt. |
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In a cutting like this, where the sides are shale, it's important to
keep the ditches free for the water to run away. The water flowing in these
ditches should then run into culverts which run under the track bed. |
We've modified the picture to show more clearly one
of the many miniature waterfalls running out from the cutting side.
These bring down a fair amount of silt from the largely shale sides. |
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One problem is that the stone culverts become blocked restricting
the flow through them. Here Chris Bowden is using a thin branch
of a tree as an improvised rodding tool. After considerable effort
with the rod we heard a whooshing and gurgling noise as the culvert
cleared and once again the water from the ditches began to run
at a good pace. (Pictured right.) |
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The drained water runs naturally and harmlessly into the River Dart. |
Substantial amounts of leaves and silt are dug out. |
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The rubbish from the ditch is loaded into a wheelbarrow to be dumped by
the line. Dennis starts sedately down the slope.........however........ |
.....the wheelbarrow kicks down on the gas pedal and Dennis,
by the expression on his face caught unawares, is off and running. |
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It's really a no brainer who the winner of this tussle is going to be. |
We weren't sure if Dennis was preparing to eject or submit! |
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But he gamely hung on to the end. |
Unfortunately, admist much screaming, Dennis disappeared from
the camera's viewfinder - (but I was helpless with laughter anyway).
Dennis, and his dignity, were later rescued.
The Cutting Back Gang work on the line every Wednesday.
John Harris always welcomes new volunteers and any
assistance they can give. John can be contacted
on 01364 653082 for details.
Photographs Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey |
